Electronic immunization registration in Rajshahi City Corporation: lessons learned.
Bangladesh’s immunization coverage monitoring system has traditionally relied on paper based aggregated data. However, digital transformation through Electronic Immunization Registration (EIR) has proven to enhance the timeliness, accuracy, and efficiency of immunization services. Recognizing this potential, Rajshahi City Corporation, with technical support from WHO, introduced EIR in April 2019 to strengthen the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI)
Key objectives included real-time registration and tracking of children and women, reducing dropout and invalid doses, improving data management, and eliminating the dependency on paper-based vaccination cards. Filed workers efficiently adopted the system using tablets, which enabled them to identify daily targets, defaulters, and missed children and vaccinate them on time. The software supports both online and offline modes, allowing real-time monitoring by health workers and supervisors. It also helps identify non-resident children and provides instant access to immunization data, including coverage, dropout rates and scheduling.
A significant milestone of the system is the generation of fully vaccinated certificates upon completion all doses. As of May 2025, a total of 98,082 children were registered, and 65,860 certificates were issued. To ensure continuity, over 5.5 million SMS reminders were sent to parents. The system was upgraded in 2021 to include tetanus and diphtheria (Td) vaccination of eligible women, registering 79,987 women and issuing 37,243 certificates.
The EIR system has not only streamlined immunization delivery in urban setting but also improved accountability and data use for action. Integration with other maternal and child health services – such as ANC, delivery, PNC tracking and vaccine stock management- can further amplify its impact. This initiative provides a compelling model for scalable, digital health interventions and demonstrate how EIRs can drive equitable and sustained immunization coverage.
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Authors: Kamruzzaman A.K.M, NPO EPI Divisional Coordinator, WHO-Rajshahi Division, Bangladesh
Rajendra Bohara, Team Leader-IVD, WHO, Bangladesh
Photo: Parents are showing a full immunization certificate.