Dhaka, April 2 -- The government has decided to launch an emergency vaccination programme against measles across the country from Sunday next, prioritising vulnerable areas amid an escalating outbreak.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain made the announcement at a press conference at the ministry in the capital on Wednesday.

"The vaccines and syringes will be sent to rural areas, especially in the most affected measles-hit upazilas, within the next two days. Vaccination will start from Sunday morning," the minister said.

"We have cancelled all leave for field-level staff from Thursday. There will be no leave. Those administering vaccines will work under the supervision of local officers," he added.

The ministe...