TURA: An intensified immunisation programme for children under Mission Indradanush was, on Tuesday, conducted by the District Health Society of West Garo Hills at Cherangre under Sampalgre Urban Health Centre. The programme was conducted in view of the locality being one of the most resistant localities to immunisation.
West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Ram Singh, who attended the session as the chief guest, said that children in Garo Hills, particularly in the rural areas, are found to be iron as well as calcium-deficient resulting in their stunted growths. Underlying the importance of Mission Indradanush, the DC said that immunisations and vaccinations of children are a must for their physical and mental growths. Stating that marriage of girls below 18 years is prohibited under the law, he cautioned that bearing a child by girls below 18 years is biologically and physically dangerous for the mother as well as the infant.
It may be mentioned that Mission Indradanush aims to immunise children under two years of age and pregnant women against eight vaccine-preventable diseases such as Tuberculosis, Meningitis, Measles, Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Whooping Cough, Poliomyelitis and Diphtheria.
The mission, which is a central government programme, was launched in 2014 by Union Health Minister JP Nadda.
