Bangladesh is set to launch a nationwide typhoid vaccination campaign on Sunday, aiming to immunize 50 million children aged between 9 months and 15 years.
The initiative will be conducted simultaneously across all schools and designated vaccination centers, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Prof Dr Md Sayedur Rahman announced the campaign at a press conference held at the ministry’s conference room in the Secretariat.
He emphasized that the government is providing a single dose of the typhoid vaccine free of charge.
“No one is allowed to take money for this service, and legal action will be taken if any such allegation arises,” he warned.
Addressing concerns over recent protests, Rahman noted that the movement of health assistants has been suspended and expressed hope that they would not obstruct the vaccination drive.
“Their demands date back to 2011. Nonetheless, we have shown patience and expect full cooperation to ensure the program’s success,” he added.
Health Services Division Secretary Md Sayedur Rahman said that vaccination teams will be deployed in every neighborhood starting Sunday.
In schools, the program will run daily from 9am to 2pm.
He also confirmed that street children in city corporation areas will be included through NGO-led outreach efforts, ensuring no child is left behind.
Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services, Prof Dr Md Abu Jafar, said the campaign will be conducted in two phases: the first from October 13 to October 31, and the second from November 1 to November 13.
He assured that the vaccine is safe, has no known side effects, and is approved by the World Health Organization (WHO).
“Parents should not panic about side effects,” he said.
More than 20 million children have already registered for the vaccine, but eligible children can still receive it at designated centers without prior registration.
Manual registration will also be available on-site.