In a recent episode of the health awareness program "Shurokkhai Protidin", aired on Channel 24, the discussion focused on the pivotal role of vaccines in protecting public health and preventing infectious diseases. The episode, titled “ভ্যাকসিন ও রোগ প্রতিরোধ” (Vaccines and Disease Prevention), highlighted the significance of immunization in ensuring both individual and community well-being.

Vaccines have been one of the greatest achievements of modern medicine, playing a vital role in eradicating deadly diseases like smallpox and drastically reducing the prevalence of polio, measles, and other life-threatening illnesses. The program explained how vaccines stimulate the body’s immune system to recognize and combat harmful pathogens, effectively preventing the onset of disease.

The discussion also tackled common misconceptions about vaccines and the urgent need to address misinformation. Experts emphasized the importance of achieving widespread vaccine coverage to establish herd immunity, which safeguards even the most vulnerable populations, including infants, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Adding depth to the discussion, Dr. Sheikh Abdus Selim, ISBM’s President-Elect and Director at PHL Associates, Inc., Davis, CA, USA, along with his wife, Dr. Sayeda Lata, an epidemiologist in the Public Health Division of the County of Sacramento, California, were invited as special guests on the program. They provided valuable insights into the global and local impact of vaccines, drawing from their extensive expertise in public health and epidemiology. The episode can be accessed on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVoFe9pKXzA

At ISBM, we remain committed to promoting the essential roles of microbiologists in research, education, and public health in the modern world to combat misinformation. Together, we can build healthier communities and inspire confidence in the transformative power of vaccines.