Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p>The introduction of digital health platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic was a significant step toward improving public health governance, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The Surokkha App was one of the digital tools used in Bangladesh to facilitate the COVID-19 vaccination campaign. It allowed registering appointments, obtaining vaccination certificates, and providing essential health information. However, the tool was discontinued amid reports of a shortage of routine childhood vaccines, including measles, which triggered widespread confusion and mistrust among the public. This study aims to determine how the discontinuation of the digital tool and the shortage of conventional vaccines undermined the government’s ability to communicate effectively and restore confidence. The study examines the crisis through the lens of digital governance, risk communication, and policy implementation. It evaluates policy documents, experts’ opinions, and media reports on the issue to identify the critical areas of concern. The findings reveal that the crisis was caused by inadequate digital health governance, poor contingency planning, and ineffective risk communication, which fueled panic and mistrust. The study concludes that effective digital health governance requires institutional coordination, contingency planning, and effective public communication to build trust and ensure sustainable policy outcomes. The lessons learned can help other developing countries navigate similar challenges and transition from emergency to sustainable health governance effectively.</p>