Shimla: Under the ambitious Measles-Rubella vaccine campaign, 18.6 lakh children in Himachal Pradesh would be covered. In the campaign, this live saving vaccine would be provided free in schools, health facilities and at outreach session sites.
In a state level workshop with journalists on the Measles Rubella vaccination campaign today organized by the Government of Himachal Pradesh in association with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, UNICEF and WHO, State Immunization Officer, Himachal Pradesh Dr Mangla Sood informed that 2760 teams will vaccinate 18.6 Lac children in 23780 sessions all over state.
Measles, a major childhood killer disease, and congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), responsible for irreversible birth defects. It’s a highly contagious disease and responsible 134,200 measles deaths globally in 2015, around 49,200 alone in India. Those who survive are more vulnerable to its complications such as diarrhea and pneumonia. New vaccine aims to reduce childhood mortality and protect children from the highly preventable disease, and first-time introduction of the rubella vaccine, in a combination MR shot, protects against irreversible and devastating birth defects.
The Measles Rubella Vaccination Campaign is targeting around 41 crore children, making it one of the largest ever immunization campaign of its kind. The first phase of the Measles Rubella Campaign was conducted in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa, Puducherry and Lakshadweep and in the second phase – campaign is targeting 3.4 crore children from 9 months to 15 years of children in states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Kerala, Uttrakhand, Daman & Diu, Dadar & Nagar Haveli.
Earlier. Mission Director Pankaj Rai welcomed participants and gave insight into preparations of State and coordination among Health, Education, WCD and Panchayati Raj, and many other departments to ensure 100% success for MR campaign. This will boost the immunity of child and protect the entire community by eliminating transmission of measles and rubella, Rai stated.
