The Government of Bangladesh has launched an independent review of the country’s Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and vaccine-preventable disease surveillance system, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and national and international partners. The review will run from 4 to 14 October, with teams working at the national level and across all eight divisions.
Initiated at the request of the Government, the review will comprehensively assess the performance of immunization and vaccine-preventable disease surveillance across Bangladesh, identifying strengths, gaps and priority actions to ensure every person is reached with life-saving vaccines.
Bangladesh’s EPI has delivered major public health gains since its establishment in 1979. The country has remained polio-free for more than 15 years, sustained elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus, achieved control of rubella, and introduced new vaccines to protect children and communities.
However, the measles outbreak in 2026 has highlighted persistent immunity gaps and vulnerabilities within the immunization system. The review comes as the Government places renewed priority on health and seeks to ensure that the country’s immunization programme is equipped to meet current and emerging challenges.
“Bangladesh has a long and proud history of protecting its children through immunization. The Government’s decision to request this comprehensive and independent review reflects both its increased focus on health and its willingness to look openly at what is working and where change is needed,” said Dr Ahmed Jamsheed Mohamed, WHO Representative to Bangladesh. “WHO welcomes this initiative and is committed to supporting the Government to turn the findings into practical action to reach every person, wherever they live.”
The review will examine seven areas: programme management and financing; human resources; vaccine supply, cold chain, quality and logistics; service delivery; immunization coverage, safety monitoring and data; disease surveillance, outbreak preparedness and response; and communication and demand generation.
It will combine analysis of immunization and surveillance data with consultations and direct observation in the field. Review teams will visit health facilities and vaccination sessions, examine cold-chain and data systems, and speak with programme managers, health workers, community representatives and caregivers.
All eight divisions of Bangladesh will be included. One team will work in each division, with an additional team at the national level. Field sites will reflect different realities across the country, including higher- and lower-performing areas, urban communities and hard-to-reach populations.
The review will also examine the 2026 measles outbreak, including the timeliness and adequacy of detection and response. It will identify lessons and priority actions to prevent future outbreaks and restore progress towards measles and rubella elimination.
The review brings together national and international experts, health authorities and specialists from WHO and partner organizations. International participation includes experts from WHO headquarters and the WHO South-East Asia Regional Office, UNICEF, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance in Australia and the Measles & Rubella Initiative, with participation from other immunization partners also planned.
WHO is supporting the review through funding and technical expertise from its Country Office, South-East Asia Regional Office and headquarters. Key findings and recommendations will be presented on 14 October, with a draft report and action plan expected in November.