Bangladesh has faced immense challenges in 2024 as Cyclone Remal and subsequent flooding severely impacted millions of people across the country. Yet amid these natural disasters, efforts to protect vulnerable populations—particularly children—remain strong. One critical area of concern has been the country’s immunisation program, which faced disruption during the crisis but has been steadily recovering with support from UNICEF and local health authorities.

Cyclone Remal, which made landfall on May 26, 2024, in the coastal district of Shatkhira, caused widespread devastation. The tidal surge and heavy rainfall resulted in severe flooding, displacing over 800,000 people and leaving 1.3 million in need of humanitarian aid. The destruction also posed significant challenges to Bangladesh’s health infrastructure, particularly affecting the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI). In the aftermath, families were relocated to cyclone shelters, and health services were temporarily halted due to logistical challenges and civil unrest.

However, as stability returned, efforts to restore essential services, including child immunisation, began to gain momentum. Recognising the urgent need to resume immunisation activities, UNICEF quickly mobilised resources to support the government’s efforts. A key priority was ensuring that children who had missed their scheduled vaccinations, including those displaced by the cyclone, received the necessary care. In the worst-affected regions, UNICEF worked closely with local health workers to identify and assist children who had missed their immunisation doses.

As a result of this coordinated effort, 18,669 children, including 9,234 girls and 523 children with disabilities, received their third dose of the Pentavalent vaccine (Penta 3). This vaccine, which protects against five major childhood diseases—diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type B—was a key focus of the recovery drive in regions like Khulna and Barisal.

One of the most pressing concerns following the cyclone was the risk of children becoming ‘zero-dose’—children who have not received any vaccinations at all. To address this, UNICEF initiated a comprehensive line-listing of zero-dose children in affected areas. The goal was to ensure that no child was left unprotected against preventable diseases, even in the midst of such a large-scale disaster.

By supporting additional immunisation sessions and working with local health authorities, UNICEF aimed to prevent any gaps in vaccination coverage. Monitoring systems were also strengthened to track progress and ensure that the needs of every community were being met.

As Cyclone Remal’s impact continued, floods in June 2024 further complicated the situation, particularly in northeastern and southeastern Bangladesh. Over 3.7 million people were affected by the floods, including 1.65 million children. Schools and health facilities were damaged, and many families were forced to seek refuge in shelters. Despite these challenges, UNICEF maintained its commitment to delivering vaccines to children in need.

The flooding, which worsened in August, caused major rivers to overflow, affecting areas like Moulvibazar, Sylhet, and Cox’s Bazar. Despite these conditions, health workers, supported by UNICEF, continued their efforts to vaccinate children, focusing on those who had been displaced or isolated by the rising waters.

Although Cyclone Remal and the floods have presented unprecedented challenges, Bangladesh’s response, supported by international partners like UNICEF, has been resilient. The country’s immunisation program, although disrupted, is once again reaching children, providing them with life-saving vaccines.

With ongoing support, Bangladesh remains focused on preventing any long-term gaps in child health services. The concerted efforts of health workers and the backing of organisations like UNICEF demonstrate the country’s commitment to safeguarding its children, even in the face of adversity. The story of recovery and resilience continues, offering hope for a healthier future for the youngest members of the population. 

Reference:
Situation Report on Cyclone Remal and Floods in Bangladesh No. 4, Published on: 29th September 2024, Unicef.org. [cited 2024 Oct 17]. Available from: https://www.unicef.org/media/162771/file/BangladeshSituationRep