Bangladesh Launches Nationwide Campaign to Vaccinate 50 Million Children Against Typhoid

Bangladesh Launches Nationwide Campaign to Vaccinate 50 Million Children Against Typhoid
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Bangladesh has launched a month-long nationwide vaccination campaign to protect millions of children from typhoid, a growing public health threat due to rising drug resistance, Reuters reported. The initiative aims to immunize about 50 million children aged nine months to 15 years with a single dose of the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV), which provides protection for up to five years.

The World Health Organization-approved vaccine is being administered free under the government’s Expanded Programme on Immunization. Health workers are carrying out vaccinations in schools, community clinics and through door-to-door visits, focusing particularly on densely populated urban slums and remote rural regions.

The campaign will run until November 13, after which the vaccine will be added to Bangladesh’s routine immunization schedule. Typhoid, caused by Salmonella Typhi bacteria, spreads through contaminated food and water and can be fatal if untreated. Researchers have recently detected ceftriaxone-resistant strains, raising alarm over limited treatment options.

Supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the program aims to curb infections and prevent further resistance. Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum said she was confident Bangladesh would overcome typhoid, citing past successes in tackling diseases like diarrhea and night blindness.