Dhaka: Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Chief Health Officer Dr. Fazle Shamsul Kabir announced efforts to strengthen immunization activities, with a focus on child protection and increasing DSCC's vaccination capacity. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Kabir emphasized the success of Bangladesh's vaccination program, highlighting it as a global role model. He spoke during a research result release event titled 'Challenges of Expanded Immunization Programme in DSCC and Ways to Overcome' at Nagar Bhaban. The DSCC aims to improve its immunization processes and ensure no child is left out, including better monitoring of evening immunization campaigns. Dr. Riad Mahmood, UNICEF Bangladesh's health manager, referred to immunization as a vital investment, noting that the EPI vaccine prevents diseases in approximately 50 lakh individuals annually, while 1.15 crore girls avoid cancer through vaccination. A catch-up campaign will commence on November 10 to vaccinate 35,000 girls previously missed. Dr. Nizam Uddin Ahmed, Chairman of Gavi CSO and Executive Director of Health Protection Foundation, stated that while DSCC's vaccination programs are relatively successful, they suffer from manpower shortages. He called for the creation of new posts and recruitment to enhance the immunization process. Dr. SM Abdullah-Al-Murad, Director and Line Director at EPI, MNCandAH, stressed the importance of utilizing human potential to achieve immunization goals. The event also included contributions from EPI Program Manager Dr. Abul Fazal Mohammad Sahabuddin Khan, Joint Secretary of the Health Ministry Md. Mohsin, and Prof. Dr. Rafiqul Islam from Jagannath University.
