Cholera Vaccination Centres Face Heavy Crowds

Sirajganj district is experiencing a rising number of cholera cases, prompting significant crowds at vaccination centres. Parents are enduring long waits in the sweltering heat to ensure their children receive the oral cholera vaccine. Many children who missed their scheduled doses are returning to the centres, creating congestion. Although there was a recent shortage of vaccines, the health authorities have confirmed that supplies have now been replenished.

The largest vaccination effort in the district takes place at the Pabna Municipality vaccination centre. On Thursday at around 11:00 am, the centre was observed to be densely packed. A single-storey building within the municipal campus has been covered with tarpaulins to facilitate the vaccination drive. Health workers are struggling to manage the crowds as parents queue with their children, eager to receive the vaccine.

Parents shared their experiences amid the congestion. Khairul Islam from Shalgaria area brought his two-year-old son, Sultan Muhammad, for vaccination. He explained that he had previously attempted to vaccinate his son at 15 months and again at 17 months but found the cholera vaccine unavailable on both occasions. Today, upon hearing that the vaccine had arrived, he successfully had his son vaccinated. Similarly, Saleha Khatun from Gobinda area recounted that her daughter had missed vaccination twice due to shortages, leaving her anxious. Today, she was able to have her daughter vaccinated, providing relief and peace of mind. Meanwhile, Jannatul Ferdous from Shibrampur reported that her daughter was scheduled for polio vaccination today, but supplies were unavailable, forcing her to return home.

Shahara Khatun, a vaccination centre worker, stated that cholera vaccine shortages had occurred intermittently over the past few months, and oral polio vaccine (OPV) has been unavailable for a month. On Wednesday afternoon, 264 vials of cholera vaccine arrived, sufficient to vaccinate approximately 1,300 children. Within the first two hours of Thursday’s campaign, nearly 100 children received vaccinations, and current supplies are expected to last for two to three days.

Shahidul Islam, acting officer at the Pabna Municipality vaccination centre, explained, “There were challenges with cholera vaccine supply over recent months, leading to children missing their scheduled doses. Now, with fresh supplies, the vaccination drive can continue for the next two to four days before additional doses are required. Polio vaccines remain scarce, causing children to return without vaccination. The rise in cholera cases has understandably caused concern among parents, and they are flocking to the centres.”

Pabna General Hospital has also reported an increase in cholera patients. Since January, 157 patients have been admitted, including 50 cases in the past 11 days. In the last 24 hours, 15 new patients were admitted, including 13 children and two adults, with 43 currently receiving treatment.

Civil Surgeon Abul Kalam Azad stated, “The rise in cholera cases has increased vaccination demand, but the situation remains under control. We currently have 21,490 vaccine doses in stock, resolving the previous shortage. More vaccines are expected next Sunday, ensuring continued protection for children.”

Summary of Vaccination and Patient Data

Authorities continue to stress the importance of vaccination and are working to ensure sufficient vaccine availability while managing large crowds efficiently. This proactive approach aims to contain the cholera outbreak and safeguard public health.