“Every immunization visit protects my child from diseases”
With high awareness among parents on the importance of immunization, 42,000 children were immunized with lifesaving vaccines in 2024
Samtse, Bhutan: As a new father, Duptsho Lepcha, 31, had taken leave from work to bring his newborn for immunization. A resident of Samtse in southern Bhutan, Duptsho says that as a parent, he now understands the importance of vaccines more.
"Our child was born here at Samtse hospital and health officials have informed us why we need to bring our child for immunization,” he says. “I accompanied my wife for my son’s immunization because I know that every immunization visit protects my child from diseases keep him healthy.”
Bir Maya Rai is another parent who started from home early for her daughter’s immunization. A mother of three children, Bir Maya is aware of the critical role vaccines play in children’s lives.
“My daughter is two-months old. My older children are vaccinated, and I will make sure my youngest is also protected from diseases. “I know that vaccines keep our children healthy and that helps them grow well and do better in school.”
Duptsho’s and Bir’s children are among the 42,000 children across Bhutan who were immunized against diseases with lifesaving vaccines in 2024. The generous support of the Japan Committee Vaccines for the World’s Children enabled UNICEF to support the Royal Government of Bhutan in procuring the traditional vaccines that are critical in protecting children from deadly diseases.
At the nearby community of Norbugang in Samtse, the Primary Health Centre (PHC) sees about 40 children during immunization day, which is held every Tuesday.
Devi Maya Mongar, 21, was among the several parents who had brought their children for immunization at the PHC.
“I didn’t know much about immunization in the past but after becoming a mother and with the advice of the health assistant, I now know why vaccines are important for children,” she says. “We all want our children to be healthy and protected against disease, and these vaccines will protect my son from falling sick.”
Health Assistant Yeshi says that Norbugang PHC recorded about 29 newborns in 2024. “We have a good turnout for immunization,” she says.
The health assistants also conduct two out-reach clinics every month in the far flung villages to reach health care services including immunization for families who aren’t able to visit the PHC. “The community is aware about the importance of immunization and parents make sure their children’s vaccines are not missed.”
Bina Ghalley, 33, is among the parents who never missed her children’s vaccines. “I have three children and all of them are immunized,” she says. “Children who are immunized are active and healthy.”
While parents like Bina have seen how vaccines work and its impacts on protecting their children’s health, new parents like Devi Maya and Karma Dolkar are also aware of the importance of getting their children vaccinated.
"Vaccines protect my child from falling ill and I have learnt about its importance from my family,” says Karma. “My child will be protected and healthy when he grows up,” adds her husband Chencho Wangchuk.
