SHILLONG : The state government has launched conduct the fourth and last round of Intensified Mission Indradhanush (MI) which is being held for seven working days at selected, designated immunization session sites.
In this connection, the Governor of Meghalaya, Ganga Prasad called for cooperation from the citizens of the state to ensure timely vaccination for little children and pregnant women.
“I request all parents and guardians to join hands to build a healthy and stronger Meghalaya in the future,” he said at a programme to mark the launch of the fourth round of Mission Indradhanush at Ganesh Das Hospital on Tuesday.
The Governor pointed out that before the launch of Mission Indradhanush, the fully immunized coverage could not cross 65 percent despite all efforts and the annual increase in full immunization coverage was a mere 1 percent.
Pointing to the rigorous implementation of Mission Indradhanush campaign, Prasad said that the fully immunized coverage has accelerated at the rate of 7 per cent per annum.
It may be mentioned that the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, had launched Mission Indradhanush on December 25, 2014 as a special drive to vaccinate the unvaccinated and partially vaccinated children and pregnant women.
Stating that immunization is one of the most cost effective health intervention, Prasad said, “Through immunization, we have already been able to eradicate killer disease like smallpox and polio from the country.”
The State Health Department and National Health Mission has gone for an all out campaign to vaccinate children below 2 years of age and pregnant women who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated.
The immunization session sites is being conducted in the districts of East Jaintia Hills, East Khasi Hills, North Garo Hills, South West Garo Hills, South West Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills, West Garo Hills and Nongstoin area of West Khasi Hills.