Govt launches oral cholera vaccination campaign; 51.75 lakh targeted
People in 14 high-risk upazilas and thanas will receive two doses of the vaccine from August 22 to October 25
The Government of Bangladesh has initiated a nationwide oral cholera vaccination campaign, targeting 51.75 lakh individuals across 14 high-risk upazilas and thanas. The initiative was officially launched by Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain at a programme and press conference held at the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) auditorium.
The campaign will span from August 22 to October 25, with the first dose administered during this period and the second dose given 14 days later. Health authorities emphasized the importance of the campaign, stating that while cholera is currently under control, vigilance is required due to recent outbreaks.
The first dose will be administered at 192 vaccination centers in DSCC, covering 17 wards in the four thanas of Lalbagh, Gandaria, Kadamtali, and Kamrangirchar. This campaign will also extend to Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Khilkhet, and Tejgaon under Dhaka North City Corporation, as well as selected areas in Munshiganj, Kishoreganj, Narayanganj, and Brahmanbaria districts.
The oral cholera vaccine, WHO-prequalified, offers protection for three to five years and significantly reduces disease severity. While the vaccine is free for all citizens aged one year and above, except pregnant women, its effectiveness relies on individuals receiving both doses administered 14 days apart. Authorities urged citizens to maintain proper hygiene and access to safe drinking water alongside the vaccination drive.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Star BD Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
