Vaccine Unit Shutdown: Insights from the Institute of Public Health

The Vaccine Unit at the Institute of Public Health (IPH) in Mohakhali, Dhaka, once produced internationally recognized vaccines for rabies, cholera, typhoid, diphtheria, and tetanus. However, a government decision led to its closure before 2020. Reviving the unit is possible with sufficient funding, modern equipment, and skilled personnel, but significant challenges remain.

 

An IPH official stated that the government’s decision to shut down the Vaccine Unit before 2020 has had long-term strategic implications. While the immediate impact was minimal, the loss of a domestic vaccine production source has left Bangladesh vulnerable to future health crises, such as global pandemics, supply shortages, or reliance on imports. A functional Vaccine Unit could have served as a critical alternative resource, bolstering the country’s ability to address public health emergencies.

 

Another official highlighted that much of the unit’s equipment and technology has been idle for years, with many machines now obsolete due to lack of maintenance or upgrades. Since the closure in 2020, no new projects have been initiated, leaving vaccine production completely halted. Restarting the unit would require more than repairing old equipment—it would demand modern technology, trained staff, and approval for new projects.

 

According to IPH sources, the Vaccine Unit once produced critical vaccines, including anti-rabies, cholera, typhoid, diphtheria, and tetanus vaccines, all of which met World Health Organization standards, marking a significant achievement for Bangladesh’s health sector. Currently, the national immunization program (EPI) operates through EPI centers, supplying vaccines for diseases like HIV, hepatitis B, and snakebite prevention.

 

Dr. Md. Mominur Rahman, Director of IPH, noted that several units, including the Vaccine Unit, were shut down by the government long ago. He cited a shortage of manpower as a major obstacle to operations, but added that discussions with authorities are ongoing to address these issues.

 

Reviving the Vaccine Unit could restore a vital asset for Bangladesh’s public health security, but it will require substantial investment and strategic planning to overcome the current barriers.