Cox’s Bazar is preparing to launch a massive oral cholera vaccine campaign from January 12 to 21 in response to a worrying rise in cholera cases. The initiative aims to immunize 1,356,514 individuals, including 407,997 from the local population and 948,517 Rohingya refugees. The Director General of Health Services, Prof. Dr. Md. Abu Jafar, will inaugurate the campaign.
Acting Civil Surgeon Dr. Titu Chandra Shil provided this update during a press briefing on Thursday, January 9, at the District EPI Store conference room.
The campaign will target individuals aged one year and above across specific areas, including all unions of Ukhiya Upazila, Hoikyang, and Hnila unions in Teknaf Upazila, wards 2 and 3 in Khuniapalong Union of Ramu Upazila, and ward 1 of Ghumdhum Union in Naikhyangchhari.
The effort involves extensive field operations, with 273 teams and 744 volunteers working among the local communities to administer vaccines to at least 300 individuals daily. For the Rohingya camps, 1,605 teams comprising 3,210 volunteers will visit 30 households daily to ensure vaccination coverage.
Dr. Shil emphasized that the campaign, guided by the Disease Control Unit of the Directorate General of Health Services, is a crucial step in preventing the further spread of cholera in this vulnerable region.
Medical Officer Dr. Faisal Mahmud and Cox’s Bazar Press Club General Secretary Momtaz Uddin Bahari addressed the media during the briefing.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report/Abdur Rashid Manik
Photo: Courtesy
