Over 4 lakh vaccinated against Measles, Rubella
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 06 2018: Against the target of 8.86 lakh children, around 60 per cent, that is over four lakh children have been vaccinated against Measles and Rubella till yesterday, said Health Services Director and the State Mission Director of the National Health Mission Dr K Rajo.

Speaking to media persons at his Lamphelpat office this afternoon, Dr K Rajo said that the ongoing campaign was launched on March 26 and it covers children aged nine months to 15 years.

The campaign was carried out in schools during the first two weeks and the same campaign would be carried out at health care facilities during the next two weeks.

Children left out in these 4 weeks would be vaccinated during the 5th week.

The campaign's period would be extended if 95 % of the total target cannot be achieved by the end of the fifth week, Dr Rajo said.

The campaign has been successful with the cooperation of WHO, UNICEF, UNDP, Directorate of Education (S), Social Welfare Dept, India Paediatric Assn, Lions Club International, Rotary Club and other stake holders, said the Director.

Both Measles and Rubella are very dangerous diseases.

Children infected by these diseases often become mentally retarded and physically disabled and they also suffer from heart ailments, Dr Rajo said.

All these problems can be avoided if children are vaccinated.

A single vaccine can prevent both Measles and Rubella .

If pregnant women are infected Measles and/or Rubella, the foetus may die within the womb or the baby, if delivered, may suffer from different health problems.

Moreover, the women may find it difficult to conceive again, he said.

Although women are not covered by the ongoing vaccination campaign, there is a separate arrangement to protect women from Measles and Rubella.

After the ongoing campaign is over, Measles Rubella vaccination would be done as routine immunisation, said the Health Director.

Misinformation and false propaganda circulated in areas inhabited by Meitei Pangals have been clarified and more awareness prog about the campaign would be organised, he added.

Representatives of WHO, UNICEF, UNDP and NHM were also present at the press meet.

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