Since the introduction of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) in 1979, Bangladesh has made outstanding progress in protecting children from life-threatening diseases. Immunisation coverage has risen from just 2% to 81.6% today. This journey reflects the government’s commitment, supported by organisations like UNICEF, WHO, Gavi, and local actors working at the last mile. However, nearly 400,000 children remain under-immunised, and around 70,000 have received no vaccines at all—reminding us that the final mile is always the hardest.

Marking World Immunisation Week 2025, global partners have renewed their call for equity in immunisation, urging stakeholders to focus on children in urban slums and hard-to-reach rural areas, where immunisation gaps are most visible. While rural areas show 85% full vaccination coverage, urban areas lag slightly behind at 79%, with a higher percentage of zero-dose and under-immunised children.

The Country Learning Hub Bangladesh (CLH-BD), with its deep community presence and commitment to reducing zero-dose (ZD) and under-immunised (UI) children, echoes this call. By promoting solutions like extended vaccination days, mobile outreach, local health worker training, and community-led demand generation, CLH-BD is helping close the gap for children who’ve been historically missed out.

Routine vaccines like BCG, Pentavalent, DPT, OPV, PCV, and MR are key to preventing illnesses such as tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis, and measles. These vaccines are saving an estimated 94,000 lives and preventing 5 million child illnesses each year in Bangladesh. For every dollar invested in immunisation, the return is a remarkable 25-fold, proving that vaccines are not only life-saving but also cost-effective.

UNICEF, WHO, and Gavi are urging the government to further strengthen planning, supply chains, human resources, and digital tools that enable better tracking and outreach. Dr Ahmed Jamshed Mohamed of WHO noted, “This year’s theme, ‘Humanly Possible: Immunization for All’, reminds us of what we can achieve together.” Their support remains strong in helping Bangladesh reach the 95% valid coverage milestone, ensuring no child is left behind.

For CLH-BD and its partners, the path forward is clear: scale up local solutions, strengthen community engagement, and keep every child in focus. As Stanley Gwavuya from UNICEF said, “Reaching every child and woman demands renewed urgency.”

With continued collaboration, innovation, and local action, Bangladesh is on the right path to a future where every child, regardless of location or background, receives the vaccines they need to thrive. 

Reference: 

Nearly half a million children in Bangladesh miss full immunization, despite 81.6% coverage: Gavi, UNICEF, and WHO urge immediate action for equity. Gavi.org. [cited 2025 Jul 16]. Available from: https://www.gavi.org/news/media-room/nearly-half-million-children-bangladesh-miss-full-immunization-despite-816-coverage?fbclid=IwY2xjawLgMFFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFiWDV0THB0WEZMNGhUVjZYAR7IwPGlhRJs5VduDLRqVqwugFAgZMDlSe8sTf8xULiPHwMBloGuJumFwHV_VQ_aem_-7d2uEfDdNk8cabqMXYV7A