TL;DR:
- A vaccine shortage in Munshiganj has left thousands of children without crucial immunizations for over a month.
- Parents are repeatedly visiting hospitals without success, raising concerns about potential disease outbreaks.
- Health officials confirm the shortage affects vaccines for diseases like polio and rubella, with no clear resolution timeline.
- The issue is part of a nationwide supply disruption, with hopes for a swift resolution to prevent health risks.
A critical vaccine shortage in Munshiganj, Bangladesh, is putting thousands of children at risk of contracting preventable diseases. For over a month, essential vaccines under the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) have been unavailable, leaving parents and health officials concerned about the potential health implications.
Parents have been making repeated trips to hospitals and vaccination centers, only to return home without the necessary vaccines for their children. Health officials warn that if the situation is not resolved soon, children could become vulnerable to diseases such as polio, rubella, diphtheria, pneumonia, whooping cough, tetanus, and jaundice.
At Munshiganj General Hospital alone, approximately 2,700 children have missed their scheduled vaccinations due to the shortage. Residents like Rubina Khatun and Md Ratan Mia express growing frustration and anxiety over the lack of vaccines. Rubina Khatun shared her experience: “My child is four months old. I managed to get one vaccination, but for the past month, I’ve been visiting Munshiganj General Hospital for the second dose without success.”
Health workers confirm that no EPI vaccines have been available for over a month. Masud Parvez Nahid, a vaccinator at the hospital, noted that this is the longest shortage they have faced. He mentioned that previously, vaccines were supplied free by the World Health Organization (WHO), but now they must be purchased, contributing to delays.
The shortage is not isolated to Munshiganj; it reflects a nationwide issue. Munshiganj Civil Surgeon Dr. Manjurul Alam stated that the supply disruption originates from Mohakhali and has been ongoing for two weeks. He expressed hope that the vaccines would arrive soon but acknowledged potential health risks if delays continue.
Pediatric consultant Faieka Hafeez emphasized the importance of timely vaccinations: “Even if children don’t get the vaccines within a month, it won’t cause severe harm, but extending the gap between doses can lead to complications.” She urged authorities to resolve the shortage promptly to prevent a resurgence of diseases like tuberculosis and measles.
The situation highlights broader challenges in vaccine supply chains globally. Factors such as production interruptions and resource shortages often contribute to these crises. As health officials work tirelessly to address the issue, parents remain hopeful for a swift resolution to protect their children’s health.
Source: Dhaka Tribune
