Cholera—the very name evokes the ruthless face of a silent, waterborne killer. A little awareness and a single life-saving vaccine can spell the difference between life and death. Yet, nearly 8.5 million people remain outside this protective circle. Even though the target for the first dose of the vaccination campaign was partially achieved, the exclusion of this massive population points an accusing finger at a major void in the vaccination management system.

Targets and Numbers: Where the Gaps Remain

According to Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) data, 82.6 percent of the target was achieved in the oral cholera vaccine (OCV) first-dose campaign. Although there was a plan to bring 4,899,440 people under vaccination, 4,047,18 people ultimately received the first dose. This means 852,422 people missed the opportunity to be protected. While success rates in some regions like Brahmanbaria or Kishoreganj are commendable (98.4% and 94.8% respectively), the overall picture is far from entirely reassuring.

The Deepest Darkness in Narayanganj: The Backstory of 42% Exclusions

Narayanganj alone accounts for nearly 42 percent of the people left behind in the first phase. Against a massive target of 1,032,963 people, over 360,000 individuals failed to get vaccinated there. Various complexities—such as the mismatch between the busy schedules of working people and vaccination timings, scattered settlements, and frequent migration of residents—have further amplified this deprivation. The question remains: was there a lack of rigorous monitoring in these hotspots?

Financial Constraints and Clouds of Long-Term Apprehension

Although Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, provided free support for supplying these World Health Organization (WHO)-prequalified vaccines, expanding this program to the remaining vulnerable areas depends entirely on adequate funding. Even though a 2022-23 joint study identified 144 areas across the country as cholera hotspots, will the health risks of ordinary people remain hanging in the balance due to financial crunches and bureaucratic mismanagement?

Author: Dr. Abul Hasnat Milton, Journalist, Political Analyst, and Editor-in-Chief, The Source News Bangla