NONGSTOIN: A media sensitisation workshop for Measles-Rubella (MR) Campaign was held at Nongstoin in the Conference Hall of the office of District Medical & Health Officer, West Khasi Hills on Thursday.
The programme was attended by media persons, DM&HO W.W Phira, W Langbang Pediatrician, Nongstoin Civil Hospital, A Rynjah, DPRO, DM&HO officials and NRHM (National Rural Health Mission) staff among others.
Speaking at the programme, Langbang invited and solicited the support of the media in giving wide publicity and awareness on the programme.
He said: “The noble and humane objectives of the campaign to root out Measles and Rubella from the country by 2020 cannot be achieved without the pro active role of media.”
He added that the campaign has been launched in the country covering all children of 9 months to below 15 years of age.
An estimated target of about 1, 37,153 (Thirteen lakh seven thousand and hundred fifty three) children of the State would be vaccinated during this campaign, said Langbang. Langbang also said that the Department of Health & Family Welfare has sought the full support and active cooperation from various heads of institutions, teachers and parents, community leaders and public representatives towards the State’s biggest vaccination campaign.
The DM&HO Dr W.W Phira appealed to all to join hands to eliminate measles and control rubella so that the future generations are free from these diseases.
He added that the vaccines are completely safe and all children irrespective of previous immunisation history or disease history can be vaccinated. The target is 100 percent coverage and evaluated coverage must be 95 percent to make the campaign a success.