After months of vaccine shortages under the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), health facilities across Bangladesh have begun receiving new supplies, bringing relief to concerned parents and health workers. 

For several months, parents visiting hospitals and immunisation centres returned empty-handed, unable to vaccinate their children. According to EPI Programme Manager Dr. Abul Fazal Md. Sahabuddin Khan, the crisis stemmed from delays in the procurement process. However, the situation is now improving. “We’ve already dispatched 40% of the vaccines across the country. The remaining 60% is in process. Once the full shipment arrives, there will be no more shortages,” he told Jago News.

The EPI programme in Bangladesh administers vaccines against nine diseases, including tuberculosis, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis B, and measles-rubella. These are provided free of charge, funded jointly by the government and international donors.

A key part of the immunisation process is the vaccination card, which records doses given and next appointment dates. These cards also serve as important documentation for birth registration and child health records. However, supply issues affected not only vaccines but also the availability of these cards.

In Chapainawabganj, newborn Hasibur Rahman could not receive the BCG vaccine immediately after birth due to stockouts. His father described the experience as frustrating. “Our immunisation programme is globally praised. Yet, we couldn’t get the vaccine on time, and even when we did, there were no cards available,” he said.

A similar scenario unfolded in southern Barguna district, where 10 to 12 children were turned away on January 15 due to vaccine unavailability. Shahima Akhter, the mother of one-year-old Asfiya Taiyeba, said, “We went on time, but the hospital asked us to return another day. We were finally able to vaccinate her a week later.”

EPI officials acknowledge that the problem was widespread, affecting nearly all districts. The delay, they say, was due to prolonged government procurement procedures. Now that payments have been cleared and shipments are underway, they expect no further disruption.

“We’ve learned from this and have taken steps to prevent future delays,” Dr. Khan added.

With full shipments expected by the end of January, the country’s immunisation efforts are on track to return to normal, ensuring continued protection for millions of children and women of reproductive age.

Reference:

জসিমসালাহ উদ্দিন. কেটেছে ক্রয় জটিলতা, সারাদেশে যাচ্ছে ইপিআই টিকা [Internet]. jagonews24.com. [cited 2025 Apr 15]. Available from: https://www.jagonews24.com/health/news/998431