Bangladesh has long been recognised as a global leader in immunisation, achieving remarkable progress in reducing childhood mortality through widespread vaccine coverage. With an impressive 98% coverage for the third dose of the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine (DTP3) in 2023, the country has set a high benchmark. Yet, a small group of children—referred to as “zero-dose children”—still remain unvaccinated and vulnerable. These children, often hidden in hard-to-reach areas or transient urban communities, represent the last frontier in Bangladesh’s journey towards immunisation equity.

To address this, the government of Bangladesh has introduced an innovative solution: the e-tracking system. This electronic vaccination register leverages digital technology to identify, track, and ensure no child is left behind in the immunisation journey. Piloted between 2019 and 2021 in Moulvibazar district and Dhaka South City Corporation (Zone 5), the e-tracking system has proven to be a game-changer. Building on its success, the government began rolling out the system in 2023, with plans to expand to all vaccination centres of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) by the end of 2025.

The system is simple but effective. Health workers use tablet devices to register a child’s vaccination record, linking it to a centralised database. Each child is assigned a unique identification number, allowing their immunisation progress to be tracked across the country. This ensures timely vaccinations for essential immunisations like BCG, Pentavalent, and DTP.

Parents are already witnessing the benefits of this digital innovation. Abdullah Al Mamun, a father from Dhaka, shared his experience at Lubana General Hospital’s vaccination clinic: “Now we are relaxed thinking that our baby will not miss any dose of the EPI vaccines. We feel happy being registered virtually as we are also getting information updates regularly.”

Beyond its convenience for parents, the e-tracking system is a valuable tool for health workers. According to Dr. Md. Feroz Alam, Assistant Health Officer at Dhaka North City Corporation, “The e-tracking system has made vaccination activities easier. At the same time, it is working to ensure no zero-dose, no drop-out, and no missed communities.”

The initiative aligns seamlessly with the mission of the Country Learning Hub (CLH) for Immunisation Equity, which focuses on reaching zero-dose and under-immunised children. By providing accurate data and enabling targeted interventions, the e-tracking system addresses the core challenge of identifying and immunising “invisible” children.

Dr. Abul Fazal Md. Shahabuddin Khan, Program Manager of EPI, highlighted the scale of the rollout: “We have already completed training for the concerned staff in Rangpur, Rajshahi, Sylhet, and Barishal divisions and 34 districts across the country. We hope the training in the rest of the districts and divisions will be completed within a short time.” The e-tracking system not only ensures vaccination equity but also enhances operational efficiency. By reducing missed doses, improving data accuracy, and enabling timely follow-ups through SMS reminders, the platform helps optimise vaccine utilisation and logistics management.

As Bangladesh progresses towards universal child immunisation, this digital solution represents a critical step forward. Vaccine expert Dr. Tajul Islam A Bari summarised its potential impact: “If this system spreads all over the country, then zero-dose, drop-out, and missed communities will be addressed. Vaccination will ensure no one is left behind.”

With the government’s commitment to scaling up the e-tracking system, Bangladesh is moving closer to its goal of ensuring every child, no matter where they live, receives life-saving vaccines. This innovative approach not only strengthens the nation’s immunisation programme but also sets an inspiring example for the global health community.  

Reference 

Al Amin M. How do you find the overlooked? An e-tracking system is bringing Bangladesh closer to universal coverage [Internet]. Gavi.org. 2024 [cited 2025 Jan 6]. Available from: https://www.gavi.org/vaccineswork/how-do-you-find-overlooked-e-tracking-system-bringing-bangladesh-closer-universal