Summary of CLH-BD Activities in 2023

In 2023, the Country Learning Hub for Immunisation Equity in Bangladesh (CLH-BD) undertook significant initiatives to strengthen immunization efforts and address gaps in vaccine coverage across different regions. The year was marked by key meetings, stakeholder engagements, training programs, data collection, and research dissemination.

Key Meetings & Stakeholder Engagement

CLH-BD actively engaged with policymakers and key stakeholders to ensure strong support for immunization equity.

• Meetings were held with EPI officials, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) officials, and consortium members, including icddr,b, Jhpiego, RedOrange Communications, and Gavi.
• Several briefing sessions were conducted with Civil Surgeons and EPI stakeholders in districts like Sherpur, Rangamati, and Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) to discuss study updates and finalize study areas.
• A monitoring committee was formed to oversee progress, with meetings held in February and May 2023.

Training on Implementation Research & Data Collection

To build capacity at the local level, CLH-BD organized multiple training sessions for healthcare professionals.

• Health Assistants and nurses received training on immunization practices in Dowarabazar, Sunamganj.
• Implementation research training sessions were held in Nalitabari (Sherpur), Saghata (Gaibandha), Kawkhali (Rangamati), and DNCC, emphasizing the use of e-Tracker systems for better immunization data management.
• CLH-BD also trained personnel on qualitative data collection, Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS), and electronic data collection.

Research & Findings

• A Rapid Assessment Report published in July 2023 highlighted disparities in immunization coverage and identified socio-economic factors affecting zero-dose and under-immunized (ZD/UI) children.
• Data collection combined secondary sources (DHIS2, BDHS) with primary research (Key Informant Interviews, In-depth Interviews, and Human-Centric Design approaches).

Global Engagement & Knowledge Sharing

CLH-BD participated in global discussions on immunization equity, including a Multi-Country Meeting in Uganda (June 2023) and a Virtual Advisory Committee Meeting (July 2023). These platforms enabled Bangladesh to share its insights and learn from other countries.

2023 was a year of strategic collaboration, capacity-building, and data-driven research for CLH-BD. With continuous engagement with policymakers, health professionals, and global partners, CLH-BD remains committed to ensuring equitable immunization coverage across Bangladesh.

Download CLH Highlights Newsletter 2023