Typhoid can be controlled through awareness and vaccination: Health Adviser

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News Desk: Typhoid can be effectively controlled through awareness and vaccination, said Health and Family Welfare Adviser Nurjahan Begum.

She made the statement on Sunday (October 12) while inaugurating the nationwide typhoid vaccination campaign at the Sir Salimullah Muslim Orphanage Center in Azimpur, Dhaka.

Nurjahan Begum said, “It is a matter of shame that children in our country still die from typhoid. We have successfully prevented diseases like diarrhea and night blindness; now we will succeed in preventing typhoid as well.”

Highlighting that disease prevention is the government’s top priority, she added, “The more people especially children we can bring under preventive vaccination, the less pressure there will be on hospitals.”

The health adviser further said, “Typhoid is a disease that can be completely controlled through awareness and vaccination. If we can deliver this vaccine to every child through this campaign, deaths from typhoid in the country can be eliminated.”

At the event, Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmin S. Murshid said, “The typhoid vaccination campaign is not just a health project it is an important milestone for Bangladesh. This initiative will open a new chapter in safeguarding child health.”

She added, “For years, typhoid has remained a silent threat, especially for children from low-income families. The government’s initiative will bring a major change to this vulnerable area.”

Meanwhile, Professor Dr. Sayedur Rahman, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, inaugurated the campaign at Viqarunnisa Noon School and College, and Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar, Adviser for Primary and Mass Education, inaugurated it at Residential School and College.

Under this month-long typhoid vaccination campaign, children aged 9 months to under 15 years will receive one free dose of the injectable typhoid vaccine. Children can get vaccinated at centers even without prior registration or a birth certificate.