DNCC to Recruit Vaccinators to Boost Urban Immunisation

A high-level discussion titled "Challenges in the Expanded Immunization Program and Ways to Overcome Them", was held Tuesday at the DNCC Nagar Bhaban auditorium. The session was chaired by DNCC CEO and Additional Secretary, Abu Sayeed Md. Kamruzzaman. Photo courtesy

 In a major step towards strengthening urban immunisation services, the Chief Health Officer of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has signed a recommendation letter for the recruitment of vaccinators to address personnel shortages ahead of the planned conclusion of the Urban Primary Health Care Program (UPHCP) in June 2025.

The announcement came during a high-level discussion titled "Challenges in the Expanded Immunization Program and Ways to Overcome Them", held on Wednesday at the DNCC Nagar Bhaban auditorium. The session was chaired by DNCC CEO and Additional Secretary, Mr. Abu Sayeed Md. Kamruzzaman, who underscored the urgency of sustaining immunisation services beyond the UPHCP timeline.

“We are committed to ensuring that immunisation efforts continue uninterrupted,” said Mr. Kamruzzaman. “The recruitment process is already underway, and the signing of the recommendation letter is a key milestone in our efforts.”

Dr. Nizam Uddin Ahmed, Chairperson of Gavi-CSO and Executive Director of the Shastho Shurokkha Foundation, highlighted the lifesaving value of vaccines. “EPI vaccines save 5 million lives globally every year, and around 115,000 adolescent girls are protected from cervical cancer annually. DNCC’s immunisation programme alone covers 120,000 children and 800,000 mothers,” he said, while stressing the urgent need for additional vaccinators and enhanced community awareness.

He urged DNCC to develop a clear post-UPHCP transition plan and called for timely creation of new health worker positions, recruitment, and rigorous monitoring to ensure full coverage.

Dr. Farhana Rahman, Health Officer at UNICEF Bangladesh, flagged urban disparities in vaccine access. “Migrant families and working mothers often face barriers, leading to missed or incomplete vaccinations. DNCC must take proactive steps to bring every child under the immunisation umbrella,” she said.

The discussion was moderated by Dr. Rafiqul Islam, Policy Advisor of the Shastho Shurokkha Foundation and a professor at Jagannath University.

The event brought together senior health officials from DNCC, EPI supervisors, primary health workers, and representatives from UNICEF, the World Health Organization, and other national and international development partners.

Jointly organised by Shastho Shurokkha Foundation and UNICEF Bangladesh, with support from the EPI and the Directorate General of Health Services, the meeting aimed to reinforce DNCC’s immunisation programme amid looming challenges.

The DNCC reaffirmed its strong commitment to expanding vaccination coverage and ensuring that no child or mother within its jurisdiction is left behind.