Dhaka, May 10 -- The government has intensified measles vaccination efforts alongside routine immunisation programmes amid growing concern over shortages of health assistants and technicians involved in the nationwide campaign.

Health officials and public health experts warn that prolonged vacancies in frontline vaccination posts could eventually weaken Bangladesh's highly regarded Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), particularly as the country faces a measles outbreak and prepares for a future with reduced donor support.

The EPI remains one of the Bangladesh government's most successful public health initiatives. Ten vaccines are provided free of cost under the programme.

While vaccination activities are mainly conducted through...