DHAKA: Immunization Platform of Civil Society Bangladesh (IPCSB) has started its journey with the goal to prevent six infectious deceases of children in the country.

Health and family welfare state minister M Zahid Maleque inaugurated the IPCSB, an initiative of Bangladesh Breastfeeding Foundation in cooperation with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, at CIRDAP auditorium in the city on Sunday.

Speakers at the program said that some 81 percent children came under valid immunization coverage in 2013 through Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), which was only two percent in 1985.

According to them, the civil society plays very important role in every social activity around the world. So, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, established IPCSB to ensure vaccination to the children in the developing countries.

The Breastfeeding Foundation has introduced IPCSB in Bangladesh with the financial assistance of Gavi as in 23 other countries with a view to strengthen the health system combing the government and stakeholders.

Bangladesh Breastfeeding Foundation chairman Dr SK Roy presented keynote paper at the event, chaired by health directorate director general professor Deen Mohammad Nurul Haque.

LGRD senior secretary Manzur Hossain, health and family welfare secretary Sayed Manzurul Islam and Community Clinic project director and also additional secretary Dr Makhdum Nargis, among others, were also present as special guests.

BDST: 1924 HRS, DEC 07, 2014