Pandemic Influenza H1N1 

A new programme on H1N1 pandemic vaccination  began in Bangladesh on  the 4th of May 2010. The aim is to vaccinate  15.6 million people,  who fall within the priority groups for vaccination against H1N1 pandemic influenza. As per National Plan of Action for Pandemic Influenza Vaccination, and in accordance with WHO recommendations, the priority groups include healthcare providers, pregnant women and those aged above 6 months with chronic medical conditions.

In a ceremony held in the city, the Minister of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW), Professor A.F.M. Ruhal Haque, along with other health officials and representatives of UN agencies and development partners launched the vaccination campaign. He was the chief guest of the inaugural function. Among others, the inaugural function was also attended by Dr. Capt. (Rtd.) Mozibur Rahman Fakir, State Minister for MoH&FW, Dr. Duangvadee Sungkhobol, WHO Representative to Bangladesh, and Mr. Shaikh Altaf Ali, Secretary, MoH&FW. Representatives  from Unicef and USAID were present as special guests. The chief guest and other special guests received the first shots of pandemic influenza H1N1 vaccine,  as part of the inauguration.

WHO is providing emergency supplies of the vaccine to 95 low- and middle-income countries.WHO has plans  to provide enough doses to inoculate up to 10 per cent of the population of these countries. WHO estimates that in the first year, this will entail about 200 million doses of vaccine, plus ancillary products such as syringes and safety boxes.