Dhaka: Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmeen S Murshid today described the National Typhoid Vaccination Campaign 2025 as a significant step in the health protection of children. She made these remarks while speaking as the special guest at the inauguration ceremony of the Typhoid Vaccination Campaign 2025 at Sir Salimullah Muslim Orphanage.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Health and Family Welfare Adviser Nurjahan Begum inaugurated the campaign as the chief guest. Sharmeen called for collective efforts to ensure the campaign's success, expressing optimism that it will cover all children and adolescents across schools nationwide.
This campaign marks the first time Bangladesh has launched a national initiative to administer the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) free of charge to children aged 9 months to 15 years. Approximately five crore children are expected to be vaccinated under this program. Importantly, children without a birth certificate will also be eligible for the vaccine, ensuring no child is left behind.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) as a safe and effective measure that enhances immunity. This single-dose vaccine, administered to children between the ages of 9 months and 15 years, promises long-term protection against typhoid.
The Ministry of Health has outlined that the initial phase will involve vaccinating students from pre-primary to ninth grade in schools, madrasas, and similar institutions until October 30. Subsequently, all children aged 9 months to 15 years, including those not in school, will be vaccinated at designated centers until November 13. Efforts are also underway to vaccinate street and floating children through collaboration with various organizations.
To date, 1.68 crore children have been registered for the campaign, with vaccination certificates available for download post-registration. Experts believe that if the initiative is effectively executed, it will lead to a notable reduction in typhoid infections and elevate the overall quality and safety of child health in the country.