A ‘Divisional Advocacy Workshop’ was held today in Dhaka with the aim of ensuring 100% coverage of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine under the Routine Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) to prevent cervical cancer.
Organized by the Divisional Director (Health), Dhaka Division, and funded by UNICEF, the workshop took place at the auditorium of the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) in Mohakhali. The primary objective of the event was to strengthen the process of integrating the HPV vaccine into the routine immunization program.
During the workshop, it was noted that following the directives of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, a decision has been made to administer the HPV vaccine to all 10-year-old girls across the country through routine immunization sessions. Previously, campaigns were conducted in 2023 in the Dhaka division and in 2024 in other divisions for girls aged 10–14. Henceforth, all 10-year-old girls (aged 10 years 0 days to 10 years 11 months 29 days) will be able to receive this vaccine at regular immunization centers.
According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), field immunization workers have been instructed to identify 10-year-old girls in their respective wards and ensure the administration of one dose of the HPV vaccine through temporary centers. Additionally, guidelines were provided to complete registration via the VaxEPI app, download vaccination cards, and update information through the ‘Smart Health BD/E-Tracker’ app. To prevent vaccine wastage, officials advised that vaccine vials should only be opened when two or more girls are present at the center.
The workshop was attended by high-ranking officials from the Health Services Division, representatives from UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO), city corporation health officials, and Civil Surgeons from the Dhaka division. Stakeholders at the event formulated and presented strategies to make the HPV vaccination program a success. The workshop was chaired by the Divisional Director (Health) of Dhaka, Dr. Jahangir Alam.
It was emphasized that to successfully implement this vaccination drive as an integral part of the routine EPI program for public health protection, necessary monitoring and awareness-raising activities will continue at the field level.
