Conference in Dhaka underscores urgency of expanding childhood immunisation coverage
Pediatric health experts call for timely vaccination and stronger public-private partnerships to combat infectious diseases
A high-profile international conference on "Expanding Protection Against Childhood Infectious Diseases through Vaccination" was held in the capital today (21 June), bringing together leading pediatricians, public health experts, and key opinion leaders to stress the urgent need for timely childhood immunisation to prevent life-threatening yet vaccine-preventable diseases.
Organised by Synovia Pharmaceuticals PLC, the event drew over 100 pediatricians and healthcare professionals from across Bangladesh.
The discussions highlighted key gaps in immunisation coverage, particularly for booster doses and newer vaccines not yet included in the government's Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI).
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The keynote address was delivered by internationally acclaimed pediatric infectious disease expert Dr Anna Lisa T Ong-Lim, chief of the Division of Infectious and Tropical Diseases in Pediatrics at the University of the Philippines Manila.
Dr Ong-Lim shared evidence-based insights into reducing the burden of childhood diseases through timely and complete vaccination schedules.
A panel discussion followed, featuring prominent Bangladeshi pediatricians Dr M Istiaque Hossain, Prof ARM Luthful Kabir, and Dr Md Abid Hossain Mollah, who underscored the critical need for broadening access to vaccines against diseases such as meningitis, typhoid, hepatitis A, and seasonal influenza.
They urged stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to strengthen the national pediatric healthcare system.
Discussions centered around six key pediatric vaccines—Hexaxim, Tetraxim (booster), Menactra (meningitis), Typhim VI (typhoid), Avaxim (hepatitis A), and Vaxigrip (influenza)—all manufactured by Sanofi Pasteur.
Experts emphasised that while the EPI provides core immunisations, many essential booster and advanced vaccines remain accessible only through the private sector, leaving critical protection gaps for children.
Speaking at the event, AB Tahmeed, director of Marketing and Sales at Synovia Pharma PLC, expressed gratitude to the attending medical professionals for their commitment to child health.
"We believe the insights and discussions from today's conference will help drive wider vaccine coverage and reinforce our collective commitment to building a healthier, more resilient generation," he said.
