NAHARLAGUN, Jan 25: A state level media advocacy workshop-cum-partnership meeting on the Measles Rubella Vaccination Campaign (MRVC) was conducted at the National Health Mission training hall here on Thursday with a diverse group of religious leaders to sensitize them on the MRVC.
The participating religious leaders shared their views and suggestions. They also assured their full cooperation in promoting the MRVC, and to work towards dispelling the myths and misconception associated with vaccinations.
Addressing the advocacy meeting, Family Welfare Director Dr K Lego said religious leaders can play a critical role in influencing the community, and can give a helping hand in promoting health-related goals.
He requested them to reach out to their followers and motivate them to give their children the vaccination to protect them. He also expressed hope that they would address the fears associated with vaccines and clarify the doubts of the people.
Mission Director Dr Tapasya Raghav informed that the Government of India has set a target of 100 per cent MR coverage in the state, which she hoped would be achieved with cooperation and support of all the stakeholders.
Nodal officer Dr D Padung briefed on the campaign and the preparedness of the state to launch the MRVC on 1 February.
He informed about the five rounds, wherein the first two rounds will cover government and private schools, while the third and fourth rounds will cover all the health facilities. The fifth round will cover left-out and unreachable areas.
WHO SMO Dr Tage Taka also spoke.
In Seppa, East Kameng Deputy Commissioner Gaurav Singh Rajawat on Thursday advised the Health department to draw a plan for the expected high refusal rate areas before the Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign (MRVC) begins in the district in February.
Apprehending obstacles such as social ignorance and fear psychosis associated with vaccination, the DC advised the department to seek help from panchayat and religious leaders and civil society groups to dispel misconceptions to achieve the true objective of the mission.
Addressing a meeting with officials of the Health department, the deputy commissioner, who is also the District Health Society chairman, expressed hope that the district would be one of the best performing districts.
Citing his past achievement with regard to this particular campaign, the DC urged every stakeholder to go the extra mile in achieving cent percent target.
The DC called for circulating the vaccination schedule to all concerned beforehand to ensuring maximum coverage in the first phase itself.
He further suggested organising IEC activities in the entire district for mass awareness, including rallies, announcements through PA systems, displaying banners at strategic public locations, distributing pamphlets, etc.
DRCHO Dr Dirang Pizi gave details on the status of measles and rubella in the world, India and the state, and highlighted the consequences of ignoring the diseases.
DMO Dr Kaya Lapung, CO Pooja Natung, and representatives of the EKSWCO, the WWO, the BWS, Mothers’ Group, colonies and various NGOs also took part in the discussion. (With DIPRO input)
