NewsBits.in: News website from Central India-Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh
Free, Fair and Fearless
Top News

Measles-Rubella campaign in state aims to immunise 2.32 crore children in five weeks

Share this story on :
Measles-Rubella  Drive  January 15  Vaccination  Children  Bhopal  UNICEF  Madhya Pradesh  MP

 

 

 

Senior Reporter

NewsBits.in

BHOPAL: The MP government would be rolling out a five-week Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign, aiming to cover 2.32 crore children in age group of nine months to 15 years.

Speaking at a State level Media workshop on the campaign, Nishant Warwade, Mission Director, National Health Mission, said that the aim is to ensure that no child in the targeted age group is left behind. Measles and Rubella are debilitating and often life threatening infections that is preventable with vaccination 

The workshop was conducted by Department of Health and Family Welfare in partnership with UNICEF, WHO and UNDP. Around 90 media persons participated. Warwade also said that all preparations have been made for launch of measles rubella campaign, on January 15 in Madhya Pradesh.

The first three of four phases of immunization would be held in schools, Anganwadis, Outreach (remote areas that are normally not reached), while the fourth would be a mop up session.All health facilities will also have free measles rubella vaccine availability along with kits to manage any possible adverse affects.

Monitoring will be key aspect of the campaign both at State and district level. Dr Santosh Shukla, State Immunization Officer, Madhya Pradesh explained about the symptoms of Measles and Rubella in children and pregnant women. 

He explained the rationale and operational plan of the upcoming MR campaign in the State. He also shared the cold chain mechanism and use of auto disposable syringe in the campaign. Dr BN Chauhan, Director National Health Mission said that campaign will cover public and private sector settings like schools, government hospitals and other health facilities.

Vandana Bhatia, UNICEF Health Specialist, Abhishek Jain, Regional Team Leader, WHO India, Dr OP Tiwari, Deputy Director Immunisation, Alok Billore of Rotary International, Chandrahas Sharma of IAP were present on the dias. Anil Gulati Communication Specialist, UNICEF, conducted the workshop.