11 cases of measles reported till July despite 94% vaccine coverage
YUPIA, Jul 31: The District Task Force on Immunization (DTFI) convened a meeting to review the progress and strategize future actions for Routine Immunization, Health Management Information System (HMIS), Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and the ongoing efforts to control Measles and Rubella in the district.
The meeting brought together representatives from the district Health Department, immunization officers, medical officers, HMIS coordinators, and representatives from Education and Women & Child Development Depts with the goal of improving health and ensuring that every child and pregnant woman receives the necessary vaccination.
Chairing the meeting, Addl Deputy Commissioner Tame Yajum called for concerted efforts from all the stakeholders to generate a well vaccinated healthy pool of people.
Terming doctors as ‘next to God’ with a special emphasis on doctors serving in the outposts, she said, “For the rural people, doctors in the outpost are the saviours. It becomes our prerogative to stay in our posting places and serve the public.”
DRCHO Dr Neyang Nitik presented a detailed report on the current status of routine immunization coverage health centre-wise. The report highlighted key achievements, challenges, and gaps in reaching the targeted population.
Dr Nitik directed the MO in-charges of the health centres to submit the RI micro plans at the earliest. She also presented the performance of the HMIS, focusing on data accuracy, timeliness, and completeness and also presented the updates on recent data collection and reporting processes, highlighting areas that need attention.
She further spoke about Papum Pare district’s health KPIs, with focus on maternal and child health indicators, key areas for improvement, and targets for the next quarter.
Dr Ranadeep Saha, SMO, WHO presented a PowerPoint presentation on Routine Immunization and strategies to eliminate Measles-Rubella. He discussed strategies to improve outreach, especially in hard-to-reach areas, and to address the challenges posed by vaccine hesitancy.
He also emphasized the importance of timely vaccination, ensuring that all children in the district are fully immunized according to the national immunization schedule, and strategies to increase community awareness and engagement.
Given the critical importance of controlling Measles and Rubella and preventing Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS), Dr Saha also discussed the implementation of the Measles Rubella vaccination campaign.
He also informed that 11 cases of measles were reported till July 2024 inspite of 94% Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine coverage.
DMO Dr Reena Ronya called for commitment from all stakeholders to work collaboratively towards achieving the district's immunization targets and improving overall health of the district. She also urged all departments to ensure coordinated efforts and regular follow-ups on the action points discussed during the DTFI meeting. (DIPRO)