Bangladesh stands at the forefront of an inspiring journey to ensure every child receives life-saving vaccines. With a clear vision of equity in immunisation, the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) is tirelessly working to leave no child behind, bringing Bangladesh closer to its goal of eradicating vaccine-preventable diseases.

In 2024, a joint study by UNICEF, EPI, and the Health Protection Foundation shed light on both the opportunities and challenges in reaching every child with vaccines. Despite impressive gains over the years, disparities persist, especially in geographically remote and high-risk areas. This is where the mission of the Country Learning Hub (CLH) for Immunisation Equity in Bangladesh aligns perfectly with EPI’s efforts.

The EPI program operates through an extensive network of 134,000 outreach centers across Bangladesh, with support from government, private organisations, and development partners. These centers deliver 10 essential vaccines free of charge, targeting diseases like tuberculosis, diphtheria, polio, and measles. Over the years, these vaccines have saved millions of lives. Yet, challenges in ensuring equal access remain a pressing concern.

According to the 2024 study, a significant focus is now placed on identifying and reaching zero-dose (ZD) and under-immunised (UI) children—those who have received no or incomplete vaccination. EPI’s strategic plans emphasise increasing coverage in underserved regions, particularly in remote hilly, haor, and riverbank areas. To address these disparities, mapping vulnerable zones and deploying mobile clinics and door-to-door vaccination campaigns are critical initiatives.

Manpower shortages were also highlighted in the study, with nearly 57% of immunisation staff positions currently unfilled. Addressing this gap is essential to ensure vaccinators are available in every community. EPI has already initiated plans to strengthen workforce allocation and improve supervision and evaluation processes. Regular training programs for vaccinators, combined with innovative solutions like evening and weekend vaccination sessions, are also being introduced to expand access.

The program’s success in recent decades has been a collective effort, with donor agencies playing a vital role. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has been a steadfast partner, extending its support for EPI until 2029. This collaboration underscores the need for sustainable strategies that ensure vaccines continue to reach every child, regardless of location or socio-economic status.

The future of child immunisation in Bangladesh looks promising. EPI’s ambitious goals include introducing new vaccines and enhancing the cold-chain infrastructure to maintain vaccine quality. Efforts to strengthen transportation systems for vaccine delivery in hard-to-reach areas are well underway, with provisions to improve logistics and expand the number of vaccination centers.

Bangladesh’s journey towards universal immunisation is more than just a health initiative—it is a testament to resilience, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to its children. With the combined efforts of EPI, CLH, and key partners, the vision of equitable immunisation coverage is within reach.

A healthier future is on the horizon. Every vaccine administered brings Bangladesh one step closer to a nation where no child is left behind, and every child is protected. As this remarkable journey continues, Bangladesh reaffirms its pledge to build a brighter, healthier world for the next generation.

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“সম্প্রসারিত টিকাদান কর্মসূচির আসন্ন হুমকি ও উত্তরণের উপায় কী.” Dr. Nizam Uddin Ahmed [Internet]. প্রথম আলো. 2024 [cited 2024 Dec 4]. Available from: https://www.prothomalo.com/opinion/column/5cf5nj8zae 

Source Contributor: Dr. Nizam Uddin Ahmed, Chairman, Gavi CSO Steering Committee