TURA: A sensitization meeting of the District Task Force on vaccination campaign on Measles-Rubella was held at DRDA Hall, Tura, on Friday with all the stake holders under the aegis of District Medical & Health Officer, West Garo Hills.
Chairing the meet, West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Ram Singh, who is the Chairman of District Health Society, Tura, appreciated the District Medical & Health Officer of West Garo Hills for taking the initiatives for calling meeting on one of the critical health issues such as Measles-Rubella which normally afflict the children and turn fatal if neglected. He therefore, suggested all the stake holders particularly the department Health & Family Welfare to take up the campaign aggressively and in mission mode and spread awareness about the disease.
Dr. Ivory A. Sangma, District MCH Officer, Tura, giving an insight into the disease informed that campaign envisages on organizing mass vaccination programmes against Measles-Rubella disease targeting children from the age group of 9 to less 15 years of age. During the introduction campaign, all children in the target age group would be given an additional dose of the vaccine regardless of previous vaccination status or history of illness, she added. Dwelling more on the subject, she said measles could cause health complications including blindness, diarrhea, respiratory infections such as pneumonia etc. Whereas, rubella which is prevalent across the country can affect susceptible expecting mothers which may lead to complex congenital anomalies in children causing some lifelong disabilities in them, she said. According to her, there are no specific remedies for both Measles & Rubella; the diseases can be prevented by immunization by the MR vaccine.
Dr. (Mrs) Ivonne. M. Sangma, Sr. Medical & Health Officer, attached to DM & HO, Tura, presented a penetrative and powerful visual power point presentation on the various aspects of Measles-Rubella Introduction Campaign.
The campaign with a set target of 95% immunisation, is to effectively begin from 23rd September till the end of October this year which will he conducted at schools, outreach venues at community levels, through sending mobile teams, and at all health facilities like hospitals, CHCs, PHCs and Sub-Centres.
Dr. M.R. Sangma, District Medical & Health Officer, Tura, who proposed the vote of thanks, has requested the people to inform them if any individual or group with vested interests tries to create any impediments against the campaign or to seek clarification only from the technical personnel in case of any doubts or misgivings on the campaign or the vaccine itself.
