In the quiet early hours of Bhawanipur village, nestled in the remote hills of Tahirpur Upazila in north-eastern Bangladesh, 45-year-old Abdul Baten begins his day with purpose. A vaccinator by profession and a lifeline for the children in the region, Baten’s work is a daily journey of commitment, compassion, and resilience.

Tahirpur, known for its scenic beauty, is also a region often cut off by seasonal floods. The challenges are immense, yet health workers like Baten ensure life-saving vaccines reach even the most isolated communities. “After waking up, I get ready to go to the health complex, making sure that my register, tally sheet and syringes are all set for vaccinating children,” Baten shares.

From there, he collects his blue vaccine carrier—an essential solar-powered mobile fridge that keeps vaccines like BCG, Pentavalent, and polio at the right temperature—and begins his route. Whether by boat, bridge, or barefoot through the water, he pushes forward.

Today’s destination is the EPI (Expanded Programme on Immunization) centre in Moddho Nagar, Uktyargaon. Before he leaves, Baten carefully checks household records to identify families with newborns, infants, and pregnant women. These children, living far from any hospital or clinic, are waiting for someone like Baten to bring healthcare to their doorsteps.

As he reaches the centre, he’s greeted by a line of mothers and fathers holding their children close, vaccine cards ready in hand. Many have walked for hours to get here. But the atmosphere is calm, even joyful. Baten plays peek-a-boo with the little ones and claps to gain their trust. Laughter breaks the nervousness. Then, with steady hands and years of experience, he draws the vaccine and begins.

“Delaying vaccines can leave children vulnerable to life-threatening diseases. So, every time I vaccinate a child, I feel extremely happy knowing I have helped protect them with my own hands,” says Baten, his pride visible.

Thanks to the dedicated efforts of frontline workers like him, child immunisation coverage in hard-to-reach areas is steadily improving. In collaboration with the local health complex and community support, UNICEF and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, are ensuring routine vaccines reach every child—especially those who are zero-dose or under-immunised.

Each dose given is more than just protection—it’s a promise of a healthier future. While nearly half a million children in Bangladesh still miss out on full immunisation, the determination of vaccinators like Baten brings hope.

In places where hospitals are far and transport is scarce, Baten is not just a vaccinator—he is a symbol of care, trust, and progress. With each visit, he helps close the gap in immunisation equity, ensuring that no child is left behind. 

Reference:
A day in the life of a vaccinator in Bangladesh. Unicef.org. [cited 2025 Jul 16]. Available from: https://www.unicef.org/bangladesh/en/stories/day-life-vaccinator-bangladesh 

Photo Credit: UNICEF/UNI561949/Sujan