The government has ensured adequate vaccine stock and supply, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), launched in 1979, continues to play a vital role in protecting the health of children and women across the country. The program prevents nearly 100,000 child deaths annually and protects millions from various diseases.
The government has allocated $83.6 million to UNICEF to procure about 95 million doses of 10 vaccine types. As part of the initiative, the first shipment of IPV vaccines arrived on Sunday, followed by MR and Td vaccines on Wednesday. Another 18 million doses are expected by May 10.
UNICEF is scheduled to complete full delivery by September 2026. In addition, the government has decided to procure vaccines worth a further $35 million through UNICEF. Plans are also in place to maintain a 15-month vaccine stock, including a three-month buffer, for the 2026–27 fiscal year.
Currently, there is sufficient stock of TCV and HPV vaccines, and with the new shipments, no shortages of other vaccines are expected over the next 8–12 months.
Meanwhile, the nationwide “Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign 2026” is ongoing. So far, more than 16.8 million children have been vaccinated, covering around 93 percent of the target. The government has intensified efforts to achieve full coverage.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain thanked UNICEF representative Rana Flowers and expressed gratitude to development partners, including Gavi, UNICEF and the Asian Development Bank, for their continued support.