Vaccine shortage in Munshiganj poses health risks for thousands of children

For over a month, several essential vaccines under the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) have been unavailable in Munshiganj, leaving thousands of newborns without timely vaccinations. Parents have been visiting hospitals and vaccination centers daily, but are consistently returning home without the necessary vaccines. Health officials warn that this delay is increasing health risks for children, though they remain uncertain when the vaccine supply will resume.

Officials have expressed concern that if the shortage continues, children may become vulnerable to diseases like polio, rubella, diphtheria, pneumonia, whooping cough, tetanus, and jaundice.

At Munshiganj General Hospital, it was reported that 2,700 children in the district’s center have missed their vaccinations due to the ongoing shortage. Parents are growing increasingly anxious as they repeatedly visit health facilities, only to leave without any resolution.

Officials Uncertain About Vaccine Arrival

Health officials at Munshiganj General Hospital confirmed that vaccines for polio, rubella, diphtheria, pneumonia, whooping cough, tetanus, and jaundice have not been supplied for over a month. Hospital staff also reported that no EPI vaccines are available at the moment.

Rubina Khatun, a resident of South Islampur, shared her experience: "My child is four months old. I managed to get one vaccine dose, but for the past month, I’ve been visiting Munshiganj General Hospital for the second dose without success. Health officials keep telling me the vaccines haven’t arrived and that they’ll inform us once they do.”

Md Ratan Mia, from Mahakali, echoed similar frustrations: “I’ve gone to the hospital and municipal health center three times in the last month and a half for my child’s vaccination, but no vaccines are available. The health workers keep sending us back without giving any clear information on when they will come. I’m really worried.”

Moyna Begum from Khalisht shared her concerns as well: “I’ve visited four times in the past month for vaccines. Health officials told me to come back in the first week of next month, but they can’t guarantee the vaccines will be available even then. Each visit to the hospital costs us money, and it’s become a heavy burden. My child is three months old, and I haven’t been able to get the second vaccine dose.”

Health Workers and Parents Express Concern

Masud Parvez Nahid, a vaccinator at Munshiganj General Hospital, said: “For the past month and a half, we haven’t received any supplies of oral polio vaccines (OPV), Pentavalent, PCV, TT, or other EPI vaccines. While we’ve experienced shortages before, this is the longest one. Previously, vaccines were provided free by WHO, but now we have to purchase them, which has caused delays. Currently, 2,700 children in Munshiganj’s central area are overdue for vaccinations. We hope the shortage will be resolved soon.”

Olivia Akter, a health assistant in Munshiganj Municipality, added: “These vaccines protect children from serious diseases like polio, rubella, diphtheria, and tetanus. While missing the vaccines now doesn’t mean children will immediately contract these diseases, we hope the vaccines arrive soon so we can catch up with the missed doses.”

Impact of Delayed Vaccination on Child Health

Faieka Hafeez, a pediatric consultant at Munshiganj General Hospital, expressed concern about the vaccine shortage: “This shortage is affecting multiple areas, putting children at health risk. If this situation continues, diseases like polio, rubella, and diphtheria could resurface. I urge authorities to resolve this issue as soon as possible.”

She further explained, “Even if children don’t receive their vaccines within the recommended one-month gap, it won’t cause immediate harm, but extending the delay to two or three months could lead to complications. Without timely vaccinations, children become vulnerable to diseases like tuberculosis, hepatitis, measles, and polio. Tuberculosis, in particular, remains a significant concern in our country, and vaccines have been critical in controlling it. It’s crucial that children complete their vaccination schedules promptly.”

Vaccine Shortage Extends Nationwide

When asked about the cause of the shortage, Munshiganj Civil Surgeon Dr. Manjurul Alam explained: “This shortage isn’t limited to Munshiganj; it’s a nationwide issue. The vaccines are supplied from Mohakhali, and we’ve communicated our demands to them. We’ve been following up daily, but it’s been two weeks since we last received any vaccines. We’ve been told to wait a few more days due to a supply disruption. If the vaccines arrive within the year, there won’t be any major problems, but if the delay continues, there will be health risks. We remain hopeful that the vaccines will be delivered soon.”