Vaccine gaps could worsen antimicrobial resistance in Bangladesh: Policy brief

A new policy brief has warned that widening immunisation gaps in Bangladesh could worsen antimicrobial resistance (AMR), highlighting vaccines as a critical tool to reduce infections, lower antibiotic use and slow the spread of drug-resistant diseases.

The policy brief, The Value of Vaccines in Mitigating Antimicrobial Resistance in Bangladesh, came from the Global Antibiotic Resistance Partnership (GARP), led by the One Health Trust and icddr,b.

According to an icddr,b press release, the report argues that vaccines play a broader public health role beyond preventing infectious diseases. Researchers said stronger vaccination programmes could reduce antibiotic consumption, limit drug resistance and strengthen long-term health protection.

The brief forms part of GARP’s international initiative to highlight evidence on the role of vaccines in tackling AMR in different countries. Bangladesh joined countries including India, Nepal, Pakistan, Kenya, South Africa and Vietnam in the initiative.

Researchers prepared the Bangladesh report through consultations involving government agencies, research institutions, academic experts, development partners and One Health specialists.

The report comes as Bangladesh faces one of its largest measles outbreaks in recent years. Public health experts said disruptions in routine immunisation and declining vaccine confidence have widened immunity gaps.

As of May 2026, Bangladesh recorded more than 51,500 suspected measles cases and over 350 confirmed and suspected deaths nationwide.

“Vaccines are among the most powerful and cost-effective tools available for reducing infections, lowering antibiotic use and complementing broader efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance,” said Dr Wasif Ali Khan, scientist at icddr,b’s Infectious Diseases Division and chair of GARP-Bangladesh.

He said every infection prevented through vaccination reduces potential antibiotic use and limits the emergence of drug-resistant pathogens.

“Bangladesh’s ongoing measles outbreak reminds us how quickly immunisation gaps can reverse decades of public health progress,” he added.

Globally, AMR ranks among the century’s leading public health threats. Estimates suggest antimicrobial resistance could contribute to more than 39 million deaths worldwide between 2025 and 2050.

In Bangladesh, AMR contributed to 96,878 deaths in 2021, while 23,454 deaths directly resulted from drug-resistant infections.

The report acknowledged Bangladesh’s achievements under the Expanded Programme on Immunization, which helped eliminate neonatal tetanus, eradicate polio and control congenital rubella syndrome.

However, experts warned that maintaining those gains requires stronger vaccine coverage.

“The global response to AMR has focused heavily on surveillance, but prevention must become equally central to the conversation,” said Dr Erta Kalanxhi, fellow and director of partnerships at the One Health Trust.

The report recommends maintaining universal childhood immunisation coverage, expanding access to vaccines with proven AMR benefits and integrating vaccination more closely into Bangladesh’s national AMR strategy.

It also urged authorities to evaluate pneumococcal vaccine effectiveness regularly, strengthen typhoid vaccine integration and accelerate the introduction of rotavirus vaccines.

Public health experts called on policymakers to strengthen immunisation efforts and place vaccines at the centre of Bangladesh’s strategy to combat antimicrobial resistance.