Malaria continues to pose a significant health threat in Bangladesh’s hill districts, with Bandarban being particularly affected.
In a groundbreaking move, 10,000 individuals residing in 100 villages across Lama and Alikadam upazilas are slated to receive malaria vaccinations, marking a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country.
Reports indicate the launch of a research program in Bandarban aimed at evaluating the efficacy of a novel vaccine against malaria.
This development surfaced during a press briefing convened at the Lama Upazila Parishad meeting room on Monday afternoon. Professor Dr. Md Abul Faiz, former Director-General and chief researcher of the Directorate General of Health Services, spearheaded the briefing, presenting key insights from the research.
Dr. Faiz emphasized that around 10,000 residents spanning 100 villages in Lama and Alikadam upazilas will benefit from free malaria vaccinations and medications across four phases, commencing next year as part of the ongoing campaign.
With the government aiming to eliminate malaria nationwide by 2030, initiatives such as mass vaccination drives in malaria-prone regions like Bandarban are deemed crucial in achieving this ambitious target.
