Overview of Vaccine Procurement in Bangladesh
Bangladesh procures more than 30 million vaccine doses annually through its Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI). The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) act as the principal procuring agencies, while procurement is often executed in cooperation with UNICEF Supply Division and GAVI. Monitoring tender flows through the PMS system is therefore essential when assessing entry opportunities for Korean pharmaceutical suppliers.
Vaccine Portfolio and Procurement Status
| Vaccine | Annual Demand | Unit Price | Main Suppliers | Opportunity for Korea |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pentavalent | 8M doses | $1.2/dose | SII (India) | Medium |
| PCV | 6M doses | $3.5/dose | GSK, Pfizer | High |
| IPV | 4M doses | $2.0/dose | Sanofi, SII | Medium |
| MR | 5M doses | $0.5/dose | SII | Low |
| COVID-19 | 3M doses | $5.0/dose | Multiple | High |
| HPV | 2M doses | $4.5/dose | MSD, GSK | High |
Procurement Structure and Tender System
Participation Roadmap
Bangladesh's vaccine procurement market is worth roughly USD 250 million per year and continues to expand as the EPI program broadens and newer products such as HPV vaccines and COVID boosters are added. For Korean pharmaceutical firms, a dual-track approach is the most practical: participate in UNICEF's global procurement system through WHO PQ, while simultaneously pursuing DGDA registration to access the domestic public market. Over time, a supply partnership linked to KOICA ODA projects and GAVI AMC frameworks may provide the most durable route to scale.