The 'Preventive Oral Cholera Vaccination Campaign-2026' has begun in 14 high-risk upazilas and thanas across Bangladesh to prevent cholera. The campaign started today with the first dose and will continue till September 21. The second dose will be administered from September 26 to October 25. Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hussain inaugurated the campaign at the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) auditorium on August 20. Health State Minister Dr M A Muhit formally inaugurated the oral cholera vaccination campaign in Tejgaon in the capital. Under the programme, vaccination has begun in 14 high-risk upazilas and thanas across the country. For complete protection, two doses must be taken at an interval of 14 days. All citizens aged one year and above, except pregnant women, are being administered the vaccine free of charge from 8 am to 5 pm. A total of 51.75 lakh people across the country have been targeted for vaccination under the programme. In the DSCC areas, around 11.7 lakh people in 17 wards under Lalbagh, Gandaria, Kadamtali and Kamrangirchar thanas will be vaccinated at 192 centres. The programme is also being conducted in specified areas of Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Khilkhet and Tejgaon under Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), as well as in Munshiganj, Kishoreganj, Narayanganj and Brahmanbaria districts. The oral vaccine is used to prevent cholera caused by infection with the Vibrio cholerae bacterium. The vaccine helps reduce the severity of the disease and can provide protection for several years. Alongside vaccination, emphasis has also been placed on drinking safe water and maintaining proper hygiene.
Campaign Details and Target Areas
The vaccination drive is being conducted in 14 high-risk areas across the country, focusing on regions where cholera outbreaks are more frequent. These areas include several wards in Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) such as Lalbagh, Gandaria, Kadamtali, and Kamrangirchar, as well as specified areas in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Khilkhet, and Tejgaon under Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC). Additionally, the campaign covers districts like Munshiganj, Kishoreganj, Narayanganj, and Brahmanbaria.
Vaccination Process and Coverage
The campaign involves administering two doses of the oral cholera vaccine. The first dose is being given from today until September 21, and the second dose will be administered from September 26 to October 25. The vaccine is free for all citizens aged one year and above, except pregnant women. The target is to vaccinate a total of 51.75 lakh people nationwide. In DSCC areas alone, around 11.7 lakh people in 17 wards will receive the vaccine at 192 designated centres.
Importance of Vaccination and Hygiene
The oral cholera vaccine is crucial in preventing cholera, a disease caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacterium. The vaccine not only helps in reducing the severity of the disease but also provides long-term protection. In addition to vaccination, the campaign stresses the importance of drinking safe water and maintaining proper hygiene practices to further prevent the spread of cholera.
Why This Matters for Bangladesh
Cholera remains a significant public health concern in Bangladesh, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. The preventive vaccination campaign is a critical step in reducing the incidence of cholera and protecting the population, especially in high-risk areas. By vaccinating a large number of people, the campaign aims to create herd immunity, thereby reducing the overall risk of cholera outbreaks. This initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to improve public health and ensure the well-being of its citizens.
