Public Health at Risk as Vaccine Shortage and Program Disruptions Fuel Spread of 26 Diseases

Bangladesh’s public health sector has suffered a major setback as disease prevention and control activities face serious disruptions. A shortage of vaccines and the suspension of key programs have increased the risk of at least 26 infectious and non-communicable diseases. Public health experts warn that the situation could worsen if urgent action is not taken.

According to relevant sources, procurement complications during the previous interim government led to shortages of vaccines related to 11 diseases. As a result, the national immunization program was significantly disrupted. At the same time, preventive activities for 15 diseases were halted, creating a serious gap in the country’s health system.

Since 1998, Bangladesh has been implementing disease prevention initiatives under the Health, Population and Nutrition Sector Program (HPNSP). This sector-wide program included 38 components, covering disease control, infrastructure development, medical supplies, training, and research, funded by the government and development partners.

Although the fourth phase of the program ended in June 2024 and a fifth phase was planned to run until 2029, it has not been fully implemented. In March last year, operational plans (OPs) were abruptly suspended. Over the past two years, only five development project proposals (DPPs) have been approved, leading to stagnation in preventive healthcare services.

As a result, prevention and control efforts for diseases such as measles-rubella, dengue, chikungunya, tuberculosis, malaria, hepatitis, diabetes, and hypertension have been severely affected. The impact is also evident in maternal and child health, nutrition, mental health, and primary healthcare services.

Health experts warn that disruptions in immunization and preventive care could lead to rising disease prevalence, increased child mortality, and worsening malnutrition. They emphasize the need for immediate restoration of vaccine supply, resumption of halted programs, and fast-track approval of new projects.

Public health analysts say that sustaining past achievements requires prioritizing preventive healthcare. Otherwise, the country risks facing a deep health crisis with broader impacts on the economy and overall quality of life.