Successful implementation of Electronic Immunization registration in Rajshahi

On successful implementation of a unique pilot project for Electronic Immunization registration by Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC), a remarkable event occurred on September 26, 2022, at the annex building of Rajshahi City Corporation. Bangladesh has 12 City corporations, out of which Rajshahi is one of the major cities in the northern region of Bangladesh. According to the EPI coverage evaluation survey from 2009 to 2019, Rajshahi City Corporation consistently achieved the highest full immunization coverage in Bangladesh. RCC has been implementing the electronic immunization registration since 29 April 2019 with the support of National EPI and WHO Bangladesh.

WHO Representative deliver his speech, Photo credit

In this success-sharing event, several high-profile government officials, including Honorable Mayor of Rajshahi City Corporation, Mayors of Municipalities from Rajshahi Division, Director and Line Director- MNC&AH, Deputy Director EPI Surveillance, Program Manager, EPI, DGHS, Director Health and Additional Divisional Commissioner from Rajshahi Division, Civil surgeon Rajshahi District, and WHO representative to Bangladesh graced the event and delivered their valuable speeches. Respectable Panel Mayor one chaired the event, WHO Representative attended as special guest and Respected Mayor of Rajshahi City Corporation, enhanced the event as Chief guest.

MR A. H. M. Khairuzzaman Liton, Respected Mayor of Rajshahi City Corporation, thanked WHO for software and hardware support to implement the project successfully. He also thanks city corporation members for their dedication and hard work in bringing the success of this pilot project. He added “this is not only Rajshahi city corporation success; it’s a success for the country, so if any other city corporation intends to do the same, RCC will provide their support to them.”

Dr Md. Shamsul Haque Director and Line Director, MNC&AH, DGHS, announced the “Successful implementation of the pilot project for Electronic Immunization registration in Bangladesh” and handed over a create to the respected Rajshahi City Mayor.

With the support of WHO, the City Corporation’s immunization work has been improved and ensured the full registration and vaccination history of all children less than 23 months and women of 15-49 years. The electronic vaccination register aims to reduce immunization dropouts by allowing health workers to monitor the children’s vaccination history.

The system enables health workers to track children in need of vaccines, identify the ones who are delayed and send SMS alerts to parents for the upcoming immunization phases. Over 300 field health workers, paramedics, nurses, and medical doctors have been trained to use electronic registrations. In most cases of immunization dropout, the cause is that parents forget when they must bring their children for the next vaccination. A complete immunization course is essential for protecting against deadly vaccine-preventable diseases such as Measles, Pneumonia, Tetanus, Diphtheria etc. This initiative advances digital health solutions to help health workers track every child’s immunization history and ensure that no one is left behind. This user-friendly software has both offline and online options and it is user-friendly software, and both worker and supervisor can monitor the status of every child. With this software, it is easy to register and track all target groups in the vaccination program, strengthen EPI activities by reducing dropout and invalid doses, and improve the data management system.

WHO also provided web hosting space and internet support to smooth the registration activity. This software was updated based on a review by WHO, UNICEF, EPI HQ and experts’ findings.

WHO supports the service provider on electronic registration

Vaccines are considered one of the most cost-effective means of advancing global health. Over the past 40 years, Bangladesh has made remarkable progress in immunization and child health. It is hoped that, with this Electronic Immunization registration project, Bangladesh will ensure there will be no children and women behind the vaccination.