Dhaka: In a landmark public health initiative, Bangladesh has officially launched its first-ever nationwide typhoid vaccination campaign, targeting millions of children and adolescents to curb the rise of drug-resistant typhoid. The campaign, which began on Sunday, aims to immunize approximately 50 million children aged between nine months and 15 years with a single dose of the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV), a vaccine pre-qualified and approved by the World Health Organization (WHO). The government is rolling out the vaccine free of charge under its Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI).
The urgency of the campaign stems from growing threats of antibiotic-resistant typhoid across South Asia. Since 2016, Pakistan has battled outbreaks resistant to nearly all antibiotics, leaving only one effective treatment. In Bangladesh, health researchers have recently identified ceftriaxone-resistant strains, raising serious concerns, as ceftriaxone remains one of the last lines of defense against severe infections. Health officials emphasize that without prompt preventive action, these resistant strains could escalate public health risks and increase typhoid-related complications and fatalities.
The vaccination drive is comprehensive in scope, reaching urban slums, remote rural communities, and school-going children through a combination of school-based programs, community clinics, and door-to-door visits. Officials have stressed the importance of inclusive coverage, ensuring that marginalized and hard-to-reach populations are not left behind. The campaign is expected to continue until November 13, 2025, after which the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine will be integrated into the country’s routine immunization schedule, securing long-term protection for future generations.
Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum, speaking at the inauguration, highlighted the alarming prevalence of typhoid-related deaths among children in the country, calling it “shameful” that preventable illnesses still claim young lives. She expressed confidence that the nationwide immunization effort would drastically reduce infection rates, prevent further spread of resistant strains, and safeguard the health of millions of children.
The campaign enjoys strong international support, with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, backing the government’s efforts both financially and logistically. Experts note that this initiative represents a crucial step in combating drug-resistant typhoid, not only protecting children today but also contributing to a long-term strategy to eliminate typhoid as a major public health threat in Bangladesh and the broader South Asian region.
Authorities have also urged parents and guardians to ensure that eligible children receive the vaccine, emphasizing that early immunization is key to reducing severe illness and saving lives. With this historic drive underway, Bangladesh positions itself as a regional leader in tackling the growing menace of antibiotic-resistant infectious diseases.