Inequitable access to immunization and vitamin A capsule services: a case of ethnic minorities in three hill districts of Bangladesh

Avoidable geographic ethnic and socio-economic disparity in immunization coverage has been a serious concern for Bangladesh. However this dimension has not been systematically investigated by independent researchers in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) of Bangladesh due to political inconveniences stemming from a 20-year armed struggle for autonomy which ended following a peace agreement in December 1997. The CHT has over 974455 people spread over three districts— Khagrachari Rangamati and Bandarban. The major ethnic (adivasi) groups of CHT are Bangali Bawm Chak Chakma Khumi Khyang Lushei Marma Mro Pangkgua/Pankho Tanchangya and Tripura. The Government has been implementing the Expanded Programme on Immunization nationally since 1985 through over 100000 outreach centres to vaccinate children below 2 years of age and women of reproductive age. (excerpt)