The government will vaccinate 23 lakh people in the capital to combat the ongoing diarrhea outbreak in the country. The two doses of oral vaccine will be given to people of all ages from 1 year old except pregnant women.
The information was provided by Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Spokesperson Professor Dr Nazmul Islam at a virtual press briefing on Wednesday regarding the ongoing diarrhea infection situation in the country.
He said that the first dose of the two-dose vaccination programme would be given in May. A total of 23 lakh doses will be given. The next dose will be given in June.
He mentioned that the first phase of the vaccination program will be conducted in Jatrabari, Dakshinkhan, Mirpur, Mohammadpur and Sabujbagh areas of Dhaka.
Asked about the vaccination process, the official said, “We are still working on the strategies of the vaccination programme. No registration is required to receive this vaccine. Everyone will be informed when the specific date and center are selected. Anyone can take the vaccine from the nearest center.”
Nazmul Islam further said that various steps have already been taken for the management of diarrhea patients and control of the outbreak of diarrhea.
“Extra beds have been provided in hospitals for the management of diarrhea patients and diarrhea wards are being set up. Physicians are being trained to treat diarrhea patients. More than 60 doctors have been trained already,” he said.
Regarding the preparation of the hospitals, he further said that the necessary medicines for diarrhea patients including intravenous (IV) saline, oral saline, water purification tablets etc are being sent as per the demand.
“A total of 4,528 medical teams are working across the country. The hospitals have 330,000 bags of 500 ml IV saline and 400,000 bags of 1000 ml IV saline in stock. Another 160,000 bags of 1000 ml IV saline will be procured soon,” he added.
Director-General of DGHS, Prof ABM Khurshid Alam said that there is no substitute for awareness to prevent diarrhea outbreaks.
“Anyone suffering from diarrhea should take oral saline immediately and go to the nearest hospital. Every hospital in the districts and upazilas is ready,” he said.
