Khulna: A typhoid vaccination campaign for the Khulna division was launched today at the Khulna Zilla School auditorium. Organized by the Divisional Health Office, the event was inaugurated by Khulna Divisional Commissioner Md. Firoz Sarkar, who served as the chief guest.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Divisional Commissioner emphasized that the typhoid vaccine is safe, halal, and effective. He noted that vaccines administered under the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) have received international recognition. "Vaccination has played a key role in ensuring a healthier next generation. Typhoid is a highly contagious disease, and the government is working relentlessly to eliminate it," he stated. He also highlighted the importance of media involvement in raising awareness during the campaign and urged journalists to help ensure that no child is left out. Additionally, he called on everyone to ignore misinformation and voluntarily bring children to vaccination centers. "Health authorities and all relevant stakeholders must work together to disseminate accurate information about the vaccine," he added.
Officials reported that the national campaign aims to vaccinate around 5 crore individuals across Bangladesh. In the Khulna Division alone, approximately 43 lakh children will receive vaccinations through educational institutions and community-based centers. Of these, 28.9 lakh children will be vaccinated in about 10,000 schools, while 13.8 lakh will be vaccinated in community centers. The nationwide campaign under the EPI will start on October 12, focusing initially on schools and permanent centers through October 30, followed by community-level vaccinations from November 1 to 13. All children aged nine months to under 15 years will receive a single dose of the vaccine. Parents are required to register their children using a 17-digit birth registration number at www.vaxepi.gov.bd. Special arrangements will be made for those without a birth certificate to ensure access to the vaccine.
Special guests addressing the event included Professor Dr. Sheikh Saidul Haque, Additional Director General (Planning and Development) of the Directorate General of Health Services; Md. Safiul Alam, Joint Secretary (Public Health and Project Implementation); and Dr. Md. Arifur Rahman, representative of the World Health Organization (WHO). Dr. Md. Mujibur Rahman, Acting Divisional Director of Health, Khulna, presided over the event.
Earlier in the day, Divisional Commissioner and Administrator of Khulna City Corporation (KCC) Md. Firoz Sarkar also inaugurated the campaign in the city area at Khalishpur Collegiate Girls' School auditorium. The campaign targets 172,370 children across 565 schools and community centers within the KCC area. The four-week vaccination drive will be carried out by 252 vaccinators, 350 volunteers, 62 first-line supervisors, 8 second-line supervisors, and teams responsible for cold chain and IT management.