Over 1.81 Crore Children Registered so Far Out of Targeted 5 Crore in Nationwide Initiative
The nationwide typhoid vaccination campaign has commenced, focusing on children between nine months and 15 years. This initiative aims to immunize fifty million children against typhoid, a potentially fatal disease.
Registration Progress
As of the latest update, over 1.81 crore children have been registered, as recorded up to 6:12 pm on October 11, 2025. While the registration numbers are less than the intended target, health experts view it as a positive start for such a large-scale program.
Community Engagement
Public health specialists highlighted the need to reach out to non-school-going children through community initiatives. Offline registrations are also available at vaccination sites for those who missed the online process, which remains open until November 13, 2025.
Vaccination Drive Structure
The campaign is structured into two phases: the first phase runs from October 13 to 31 in schools, while the second from November 1 to 13 at community centers. Daily sessions in schools take place from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.
- Phase 1: October 13-31 in schools
- Phase 2: November 1-13 at community centers
Support and Implementation
The government, in collaboration with Gavi, the World Health Organization, and UNICEF, provides the typhoid vaccine free of charge. The immunization initiative covers 10,519 schools across the country, delivering single-dose vaccines aimed at reducing child morbidity and mortality rates associated with typhoid.
Significance and Impact
Typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella Typhi, is a major health challenge in Bangladesh due to inadequate sanitation and unsafe water, which leads to recurring outbreaks. The World Health Organization reports that South Asia experiences nearly 50% of the world’s typhoid cases. Integrating the typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV) is anticipated to reduce antibiotic resistance and the incidence of the disease significantly.
Future Perspective
Experts emphasize the need for synchronized efforts among healthcare workers, educational institutions, and local bodies to reach children in both urban areas and remote regions. Bangladesh’s pioneering decision to incorporate the TCV into its national immunization strategy follows successful trials demonstrating its effectiveness and safety.
