Bangladesh Vaccinates 1.4 Million Children; 17 Killed in Israeli Strikes on Southern Lebanon

"Now, I feel proud to be part of this effort, protecting children one by one and helping to stop the spread. " WHO's support includes training and field assistance for workers like Reza, bolstered by a network of Surveillance Immunization Medical Officers. These officers investigate cases, strengthen surveillance, and monitor vaccination coverage in real time.

"This level of emergency response allows WHO to rapidly scale up technical and operational support, working closely with national authorities and partners," said Dr. Anthony Eshofonie, WHO Team Lead for Health Emergencies in Bangladesh.

The campaign addresses immediate needs while aiming to fortify routine immunization. "Bangladesh has reduced under-five mortality from 36 per 1000 live births in 2015 to 33 in 2025, but progress must accelerate to reach the SDG target of 25," said Dr. Ahmed Jamsheed Mohamed, WHO Representative to Bangladesh.

He stated the drive is critical to meeting response needs and strengthening systems for equitable coverage that reaches every child. At the hospital, Muniruzzaman, Assistant Director of the administration, oversaw the flow of families. "We hope that our expert personnel will deliver a successful outcome for the campaign," he said.

After vaccination, Afrida sat with Ohran resting in her arms and Anika by her side. "I was very worried before," she said. " In southern Lebanon, Israeli strikes killed 17 people, including two children, on Thursday, according to Lebanon's health ministry.

The attacks wounded 35 people, including nine children and eight women. At least 15 people were killed in the strikes, with local media suggesting the toll could exceed 30, though that figure remains unconfirmed. Hezbollah carried out attacks on Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, including a drone strike targeting soldiers in the Bint Jbeil district.

The Israeli military issued evacuation warnings for 15 villages in the area on Thursday. The strikes occurred despite a ceasefire announced on 16 April 2026 after direct talks between Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors in Washington.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun criticised continuing Israeli violations of the truce. He said strikes and demolitions of homes and places of worship were ongoing despite the ceasefire. "Pressure must be exerted on Israel to ensure it respects international laws and conventions, and ceases targeting civilians, paramedics, civil defence and humanitarian organisations," Aoun said.

He condemned continued Israeli violations of the nearly two-week-old ceasefire. The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah started on 2 March 2026 after Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel. Israel responded with widespread air strikes and a ground invasion of southern Lebanon.

More than 2,500 people have been killed in Lebanon since early March 2026, including 103 health professionals, at least 270 women, and more than 170 children. U.S. embassy in Beirut called for a meeting between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.