Nagaland has lowest rate of immunisation in country

Kohima: Nagaland has the lowest rate of immunisation in the country, with a rate of 33.6 per cent only, as per Rapid Survey of Children (RSOC) 2013-14.

Addressing the inaugural function of a seminar on immunization and maternal and child health service in Nagaland was held at Kohima on Tuesday, Dr Tushar Rane, Chief of field officer of the UNICEF of Assam has disclosed the figure and stressed on the need to improve the infant mortality rate which is at 29 per cent in the state.

He said institutional delivery which is about 32%, is a matter of great concern and in this regard, he pointed out that ante natal check-up should be given priority and maternal health should be given utmost importance.

He also said that Nagaland has the lowest rate of immunisation in the country (33.6% as per RSOC, 2013-14), and that only 1 out of 3 children are immunized, which needs to be addressed. Dr. Rane mentioned that just as polio and small pox have been eradicated in the country; Institutional Delivery and Immunization can also be checked by following such examples.

Given this situation, it has become necessary for the state to pay special attention and additional impetus to the ongoing efforts to increase the demand for vaccination.

The workshop is being conducted with the aim to create awareness through church by initiating community dialogue around maternal and child health; to instill local ownership to ensure that every child is vaccinated and that every mother is attended to.

The Nagaland Baptist Church Council, Nagaland Christian Revival Church (NRCA) and Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN) have been identified by the state health care system as partners to work towards this cause.  The church, he stated, plays an important role not only in matters of faith but also in the social health of its members. (UNI)