“When I visit underprivileged communities, like those in tea gardens and haor areas, where I have to walk instead of drive, I feel a deeper connection with the people.” said Dr. Muttakin, a WHO Surveillance and Immunization Medical Officer (SIMO), who just reached in Akamodhu, to vaccinate our main attention, Faliha.

In the remote hills of Moulvibazar’s Rajnagar Upazila lies Akamodhu, a small village where access to healthcare remains a challenge. For five-month-old Faliha, life took a hopeful turn when her family encountered a dedicated WHO’s SIMO, Dr. Muttakin. Her story reflects a larger mission in Bangladesh—to ensure every child’s right to life-saving vaccines. 

Faliha’s parents, Jayna and Saifuddin, are hardworking field laborers. Like many others in underserved areas, they lacked awareness about immunisation and were influenced by misinformation about vaccine safety. When Dr. Muttakin arrived during the stormy monsoon of June, his mission was clear: to find zero-dose and under-immunised children like Faliha and ensure they received the vaccines they needed. 

“In challenging times, during storms or floods, my presence reassures the villagers that they have not been forgotten. Seeing Faliha’s hopeful eyes strengthened my sense of responsibility to ensure she receives her vaccination,” said Dr. Muttakin. 

In Bangladesh, the Country Learning Hub for Immunisation Equity, in collaboration with WHO, Gavi, and the government, focuses on addressing challenges faced by zero-dose and under-immunised children. These efforts include engaging communities, dispelling myths, and providing logistical support to healthcare workers who navigate difficult terrains.

When Dr. Muttakin visited Jayna’s home, he found a curious, playful Faliha but learned she had missed her vaccinations due to fear and misinformation. Through calm and empathetic conversations, he gained the trust of Jayna and her husband. Visual aids showing the risks of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles and polio compared to the benefits of vaccination convinced the family. They decided to visit the nearest vaccination center the next day.

At the center, Faliha received the BCG vaccine and first doses of bOPV, IPV, PCV, and Pentavalent vaccines. The experience not only ensured her protection but empowered her parents to advocate for immunisation in their community. Jayna expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thank you for opening our eyes to the importance of these vaccines. We will never forget what you’ve done for us.”

The work of SIMOs like Dr. Muttakin, supported by the Country Learning Hub, embodies Bangladesh’s commitment to reducing vaccine inequities. In 2023, over 17% of children in Bangladesh missed critical vaccines due to barriers like misinformation and geographic isolation. Through targeted interventions, such as outreach in tea garden communities and flood-prone areas, these initiatives are gradually bridging the gap.

Dr. Muttakin’s story is a beacon of hope, showcasing the impact of collective efforts to ensure every child, no matter where they live, is protected against preventable diseases. By addressing zero-dose and under-immunised children, Bangladesh is not only safeguarding lives but building healthier futures for generations to come. 

Reference:
Awakening Hope for Faliha: WHO-SIMOs fulfilling every Child’s Right to Vaccination [Internet]. Who.int. [cited 2024 Dec 4]. Available from: https://www.who.int/bangladesh/news/feature-stories/item/awakening-hope-for-faliha-who-simos-fulfilling-every-childs-right-to-vaccination