1.5cr children vaccinated in first 10 days of Bangladesh’s first nationwide anti-typhoid drive
The vaccine, the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV), is WHO-approved and developed by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), manufactured by India’s Biological E Company, and supplied through Gavi – the Vaccine Alliance
Bangladesh's ongoing typhoid vaccination campaign has already reached over 1.5 crore children in its first ten days, bringing the country closer to its target of vaccinating nearly 5 crore children aged 9 months to under 15 years, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
The campaign, first such in the country, is currently achieving 80–85% of its target coverage, though some secondary schools affected by recent teacher strikes have reported lower rates.
Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Programme Manager, Dr Abul Fazal Md Shahabuddin Khan, said the vaccination rate is expected to rise as schools fully reopen.
Vaccinations are being administered through schools and permanent EPI centres, with temporary EPI camps joining from 1 November.
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To date, no major side effects have been reported. The campaign is scheduled to continue until 13 November, with possible extensions yet to be confirmed.
The vaccine, the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV), is WHO-approved and developed by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), manufactured by India's Biological E Company, and supplied through Gavi – the Vaccine Alliance.
The single-dose injectable vaccine provides 3-7 years of protection and has been used successfully in Pakistan, Nepal, and India.
Dr Khan acknowledged that misinformation and rumours on social media have slowed uptake at some centres.
"These rumours are false. This is not a trial vaccine, and it is fully approved by WHO.
Misconceptions should not prevent parents from vaccinating their children," he said, adding, "Just as iPhones are made in China but trusted worldwide, this vaccine, though produced in India, is safe and reliable."
WHO defines typhoid as a serious systemic infection caused by Salmonella Typhi, primarily spread through contaminated food or water, causing prolonged fever, headache, nausea, and digestive problems.
Chief Adviser's Special Assistant Dr Md Sayedur Rahman highlighted the urgency of vaccination, citing a 2021 study reporting around 8,000 typhoid deaths in Bangladesh, with 68% among children under 15.
Currently, over 2 crore children have been registered for vaccination. The DGHS urged parents not to be influenced by rumours and to register their children promptly at https://vaxepi.gov.bd/registration/tcv for timely protection.
