Typhoid vaccination campaign begins nationwide for first time

For the first time in Bangladesh’s history, a nationwide typhoid vaccination campaign has begun. The campaign targets nearly 5 crore children aged between 9 months and under 15 years.

The programme was officially launched on Sunday morning at Sir Salimullah Muslim Orphanage in capital's Azimpur, by Health and Family Welfare Adviser Nurjahan Begum. The vaccine is being given at around 10,000 schools across the country.

From now and for the next 10 days, schoolchildren will receive a free injectable typhoid vaccine until 2:30pm each day. Children without birth certificates will also be included.

This month-long campaign is supported by global vaccine alliance Gavi, and the vaccine has been supplied by India’s Serum Institute.

Speaking at the launch, Adviser Nurjahan Begum said, “It is shameful that children still die of typhoid in our country. We have overcome diseases like diarrhea and night blindness. Now we will defeat typhoid too, inshaAllah.”

Other officials also launched the campaign at different schools, including Mohammadpur Residential Model College and Viqarunnisa Noon School and College.