Bangladesh Launches Major Two-Dose Oral Cholera Vaccination Campaign
Bangladesh is set to launch a massive two-dose oral cholera vaccination campaign on August 22, targeting 51.75 lakh people across Dhaka and four other districts. The nationwide health initiative aims to curb the spread of the disease by focusing on identified vulnerable hotspots.
The government of Bangladesh is scheduled to launch a comprehensive two-dose oral cholera vaccination campaign starting on August 22, 2026, according to official reports. This large-scale public health initiative is designed to target a total of 51.75 lakh people across the capital city of Dhaka as well as four surrounding districts, namely Brahmanbaria, Kishoreganj, Munshiganj, and Narayanganj. Health authorities have meticulously planned the rollout to ensure that populations residing in high-risk areas receive adequate protection against the waterborne disease.
Under the established guidelines for the immunization drive, individuals aged one year and above are eligible to receive the oral cholera vaccine. However, specific exclusions apply to safeguard vulnerable groups; pregnant women and individuals who are suffering from serious illnesses will not receive the vaccine during this campaign. The administrative framework divides the rollout into two distinct phases to ensure complete coverage for all targeted participants across the designated regions.
The scheduling for the two-dose administration has been clearly defined by health officials managing the programme. The first dose of the oral cholera vaccine will be administered over a month-long period, running from August 22 to September 21. Following this initial phase, the second dose will be rolled out from September 26 to October 25, ensuring that recipients develop the necessary immunity provided by the complete two-dose regimen.
High-ranking government officials will lead the official inauguration ceremonies across the capital on the opening day of the campaign. Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain is scheduled to inaugurate the vaccination programme at Nagar Bhaban, located in Dhaka's Gulistan area. Simultaneously, State Minister for Health MA Muhit will inaugurate the vital public health initiative at the Dhaka Polytechnic Institute situated in Tejgaon.
The strategic deployment of the vaccination drive is informed by comprehensive epidemiological research conducted in the country. A joint study carried out by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) alongside icddr,b during the 2022-2023 period successfully identified 144 upazilas and specific areas under police stations within city corporations as notable cholera hotspots. This extensive research underpins the targeted approach being implemented by health authorities to protect the most vulnerable populations from future outbreaks.
