In a major step to sustain Bangladesh’s long-standing immunisation success, the Government’s Economic Affairs Committee (EAC) has approved the procurement of essential vaccines under the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI). The decision reinforces the country’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that every child receives life-saving vaccines, regardless of where they live. 

The approval was granted during the 30th meeting of the Economic Affairs Committee, held at the Cabinet Division in Dhaka on Sunday, September 21, 2025. The session was chaired by Economic Affairs Adviser Dr. Saleh Uddin Ahmed.

Following the meeting, the adviser briefed the media, confirming that vaccines will be purchased through the Direct Purchase Method (DPM) via UNICEF, with funding support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. “We have approved vaccine procurement for the next three months under the direct purchase system,” he said. “Later, we will move toward competitive bidding processes.”

Bangladesh’s EPI, launched in 1979, has been one of the most impactful public health programmes in the country’s history. Over the decades, it has protected millions of children from preventable diseases, significantly reducing under-five mortality. The programme provides vaccines against tuberculosis (BCG), diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, measles (MR), polio, hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), and pneumonia (PCV), among others.

Health experts note that Bangladesh’s EPI has played a crucial role in eliminating diseases such as polio and maternal and neonatal tetanus, while substantially lowering deaths from measles and pneumonia. Through continuous investment and government commitment, the country has maintained one of the highest routine immunisation rates in South Asia.

“This approval shows that the government continues to prioritise children’s health and immunisation,” said one senior official. “Each vaccine dose protects not only an individual child but also strengthens community health across Bangladesh.”

The recent procurement move continues Bangladesh’s strong partnership with UNICEF and Gavi, both of which have supported the EPI for decades. Through this collaboration, vaccines are sourced efficiently, ensuring quality, timely delivery, and equitable distribution.

Since its establishment, Gavi has helped low- and middle-income countries like Bangladesh access affordable vaccines and strengthen their immunisation systems. The partnership has enabled the introduction of new vaccines, expanded cold-chain infrastructure, and digital innovations such as VaxEPI and GIS-based microplanning, which enhance monitoring and service delivery.

The Expanded Programme on Immunization remains a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s public health system. Today, the country’s immunisation coverage stands above 95%, saving thousands of young lives every year. The newly approved purchase ensures the continued availability of vaccines for the months ahead — a vital step in protecting the next generation from deadly but preventable diseases.

As Bangladesh moves closer to achieving zero-dose (ZD) and under-immunised (UI) reduction goals, this decision highlights the nation’s firm belief that every child deserves protection, no matter their circumstances. Through steady investment, innovation, and partnership, Bangladesh continues to prove that children’s immunisation is not just a health priority — it is a national promise.

Reference:
নিজস্ব প্রতিবেদক. ইপিআই টিকা কিনছে সরকার, এর কাজ কী? [Internet]. dhakamail.com. [cited 2025 Oct 19]. Available from: https://dhakamail.com/health/256102