ITANAGAR, Dec 17: A state-level ‘Media sensitization workshop on Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) 2.0’ was conducted by the state NHM directorate here on Tuesday.
In his inaugural address, IEC Deputy Director Ongtang Thamphang said that “through the programme, the GoI aims to reach each child up to two years of age, and all the pregnant women who have been left uncovered under the routine immunization programme.”
Urging the state’s media persons to create awareness on the IMI 2.0, NHM nodal officer Dr D Padung said the IMI 2.0 “aims at immunizing children under two years of age and pregnant women against eight vaccine-preventable diseases.”
Stating that the programme focuses on “improving immunization coverage in select districts and cities to ensure 90 percent coverage of full immunization,” he informed that 18 districts would be covered under weeklong vaccination campaigns from 6 January, 3 February and 2 March next year.
So far, Anjaw, East Kameng, Kamle, Kra-Daadi, Lohit, Longding, Lower Dibang Valley, Lower Siang, Lower Subansiri, Namsai, Papum Pare (Rural), Papum Pare (Urban), Siang, Tawang, Tirap, Upper Subansiri, West Kameng and West Siang districts have been selected for immunization, Padung said.
Medical Officer (Immunization) Dr Tage Taka informed that the immunization drive would “cover vaccines for tuberculosis, meningitis, measles, Hepatitis B, tetanus, whooping cough, poliomyelitis and diphtheria.”
“Immunization against Japanese encephalitis is also being provided under the scheme in certain select areas,” he said, adding that all vaccines will be provided free of cost at all public health facilities.
United Nations Children’s Fund consultant, Bijay Dungdung, made a PowerPoint presentation on the topic, ‘Social and behavior change communication and strategy based on socio-ecological model’.
