In a concerted effort to bolster child immunisation rates and advance healthcare decision-making, the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b) has embarked on a series of briefing meetings across various districts in Bangladesh. These meetings, organised under the research project titled “Country Learning Hub for Immunisation Equity in Bangladesh,” aim to bridge crucial evidence gaps and pave the way for sustainable interventions in child immunisation.

Spanning regions like Rangamati, Noakhali, Sunamganj, and Gaibandha, these gatherings bring together key stakeholders including Civil Surgeons, Upazila Health and Family Planning Officers (UH&FPOs), and esteemed guests from the health sector. Through collaborative efforts, these meetings seek to provide insights into the implementation of evidence-based strategies to enhance child immunisation coverage.

The initiative, spearheaded by icddr,b, aligns with the broader goals of advancing maternal, newborn, and child health as well as promoting universal health coverage, crucial pillars in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Dr. Nihar Ranjan Nandy, Civil Surgeon of Rangamati, reflects on the significance of these meetings, stating, “These briefings offer a vital platform for sharing knowledge and insights, enabling us to tailor interventions that address the unique needs of our communities.”

At the heart of these discussions lies the importance of implementation research, as highlighted by the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Research, Deliver, and Manage (RDM) initiative. By generating and utilising evidence on effective strategies, stakeholders can steer policies and programs towards tangible outcomes, thus accelerating progress in child health indicators.

Dr. Masum Iftekher, Civil Surgeon of Noakhali, emphasises the role of evidence-based approaches in shaping healthcare policies, stating, “Implementation research serves as a guiding light, allowing us to identify ‘what’ works and ‘how’ it can be effectively integrated into our health systems.”

The series of briefing meetings serve as a platform for exchanging ideas, sharing best practices, and charting the way forward for child immunisation efforts. Dr. Ahmed Hossain, Civil Surgeon of Sunamganj, underscores the collaborative nature of these discussions, stating, “By fostering collaboration between stakeholders, we can harness collective expertise to drive meaningful change in child health outcomes.”

Looking ahead, stakeholders remain committed to leveraging the insights garnered from these meetings to inform evidence-based interventions that address the multifaceted challenges of child immunisation. Dr. Md. Abdullahel Mafi, Civil Surgeon of Gaibandha, expresses optimism for the future, stating, “Through continued collaboration and evidence-based interventions, we can strive towards equitable access to immunization services for all children, laying the foundation for a healthier and more prosperous future for Bangladesh.”

As the series of briefing meetings conclude, the momentum towards strengthening child immunisation efforts in Bangladesh remains steadfast, guided by the principles of collaboration, evidence-based decision-making, and a shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of children across the nation.