Media sensitisation workshop held
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 06 2017:
A media sensitisation workshop, in connection with the second round of the 4th phase of Mission Indradhanush which will begin tomorrow , was held at Family Welfare Department today.
Speaking at the event, Family Welfare Director, Dr K Rajo said, "The 1st, 2nd and 3rd phases of Mission Indradhanush have been completed successfully.
The first round of the 4th phase has also been completed and the second round will start from tomorrow" .
Every phases of Mission Indradhanush consists of four rounds each and according to the guidelines of the Government of India, a media sensitisation workshop should be organised before each mission.
He said, "Mission Indradhanush was launched by the Prime Minister of India on December 25, 2014 with the aim of delivering 90 percent and above full immunization before the year 2020" .
Dr K Rajo said that four districts, namely Churachandpur, Tamenglong, Ukhrul and Chandel will be covered by the latest Mission Indradhanush initiative.
The areas covered by Mission Indradhanush are those where children and pregnant women lack adequate education and awareness facilities and who believe that this medicine would result in serious side effects, he added.
He stressed the importance of spreading awareness regarding the seven deadly diseases namely diptheria, pertussis, tetanus, childhood tuberculosis, polio, hepatitis B and measles, from which Mission Indradhanush aims to protect the people.
The general public must be made aware that these seven diseases are often fatal if not treated.
Moreover, the Government of India has included two more diseases, Japanese Enchephalitis and haemophilus influenza, into the vaccination programme, he said.
Speaking at the event, State Nodal Officer Immunization, Dr Th Nandakishore said that only 83 percent of the target individuals were immunised in the first round of the 4th phase due to shortage of doctors and staff.
The department could only organise 374 out of 450 planned sessions, he said adding that 2593 out of 3175 infants under the age of two and only 494 out of 1270 pregnant women were immunized.
He further appealed to the people to fully cooperate and offer support for the second round of the 4th phase which will begin tomorrow.
SPO, UNDP (Senior Project Officer) Sharad Yadav was also present at the event.