ঢাকারবিবার , ৯ অগাস্ট ২০২৬
A national conference titled “Expanding Protection Against Childhood Infectious Diseases Through Vaccination” was held on Friday, 20 June at the Dalia Hallroom of The Peninsula Chittagong, with the aim of raising awareness about timely vaccination to prevent infectious diseases among children.
Organized by Synovia Pharmaceuticals PLC, the event brought together over 80 leading pediatricians from across the country, who emphasized the urgent need for expanding vaccine coverage in light of growing global health threats.
Keynote Speaker Calls for Expanded Immunization
The keynote address was delivered by Professor Dr. Anna Lisa T. Ong-Lim, Head of Pediatric Infectious and Tropical Diseases at the University of the Philippines Manila and Philippine General Hospital. Drawing from her clinical and research experience, she stressed the importance of broadening immunization programs to protect children from life-threatening diseases.
“Timely vaccination remains one of the most effective tools to prevent childhood illnesses. Governments and healthcare providers must work together to make life-saving vaccines accessible to every child,” said Dr. Ong-Lim.
Panel Discussion by Leading Pediatricians
A high-level panel discussion featured Bangladesh’s top pediatricians, including Professor Dr. Syed Mesbahul Haque, Professor Dr. Wazir Ahmed, Professor Dr. Badrul Alam, Professor Dr. Pranab Kanti Mallick, and Professor Dr. Chiranjib Barua. They discussed the roles of vaccines in preventing diseases such as pneumonia, meningitis, typhoid, hepatitis A, and seasonal influenza.
The panel also addressed the need for improved access to booster doses and advanced vaccines not currently covered under the government’s Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI).
Global Vaccines Spotlighted
Experts highlighted six globally recommended vaccines by Sanofi Pasteur, which include:
Hexaxim (6-in-1 vaccine)
Tetraxim (booster for DTP-IPV)
Menactra (meningitis)
Typhim VI (typhoid)
Avaxim (hepatitis A)
Vaxigrip Tetra (influenza)
While some of these vaccines are not included in the public immunization schedule, pediatricians stressed that access to them could help fill critical gaps in childhood disease prevention.
Commitment to National Pediatric Health
In his closing remarks, Lucky Sinha, Assistant General Manager – Vaccines & Oncology, Synovia Pharma PLC, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participating pediatricians and speakers. He reaffirmed Synovia’s commitment to partnering with child health experts nationwide to strengthen immunization programs and expand vaccine access across Bangladesh.
“The knowledge shared during this conference will serve as a catalyst for scaling up vaccination efforts and protecting our children from preventable illnesses,” said Sinha.
The event was widely regarded as a significant step toward enhancing child immunization practices and promoting a stronger, more resilient public health infrastructure in Bangladesh.
