SHILLONG/TURA/AMPATI/JOWAI, June 2: The Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV), which provides protection from diseases caused by pneumococcal bacteria including pneumonia, was launched across Meghalaya on Wednesday.
In East Khasi Hills, it was launched by the National Health Mission (NHM), Meghalaya, in association with the office of the District Medical and Health Officer, East Khasi Hills, at a programme held at Pomlum PHC on Wednesday.
In his address, NHM Director Ram Kumar said that the launch of the PCV is an important one as it is directly related to the maternal and infant deaths in Meghalaya. Based on these factors, a rescue programme was initiated whereby in the last three months, seven out of 11 districts in the state reported zero maternal deaths, which is an indication that the state is moving in the right direction, Kumar added.
Speaking as the chief guest, Mawphlang MLA SK Sunn pointed out that the programme was meant for mothers and their infants, who were the direct beneficiaries. He urged upon the mothers to not be hesitant and come forward and avail this benefit. He further exuded confidence that with the launching of PCV, the infant mortality rate relating to pneumonia, which is the leading cause of death among children below five years, will be reduced significantly.
The PCV is available through NHM and will be provided free of cost. The vaccine is available in three doses — 1st dose to be administered when the child attains 6 weeks, 2nd dose in the 14th week and 3rd dose when the child is 9 months. The vaccine is also available at private hospitals for Rs 3000 per dose.
West Garo Hills
Meanwhile, in Tura, West Garo Hills, Principal Secretary of Health, Sampath Kumar, who launched the PCV at Asanang PHC in West Garo Hills, informed that it would soon be introduced in the routine immunisation programme and administered to children free of cost in all the health centres of the district.
Speaking during the launching of the vaccine, Kumar highlighted the importance of immunisation, adding that it helps in preventing those diseases which have no cure while at the same time informing that about 50 per cent of children die in the state due to pneumonia-related illness.
He, therefore, urged parents to cooperate with the health department in immunising their children regularly to ensure that every child is healthy in future.
Appreciating the efforts and dedication of the healthcare providers in the state, he said that their contribution is commendable, particularly with regard to the implementation of COVID-19 vaccine programme in Garo Hills region. He said that the vaccination programme has been exemplary as most of the citizens in the 45 years and above age group are vaccinated which has helped in minimizing the number of COVID-19 patients to some extent in the region.
Kumar also urged those who are yet to be vaccinated to take their shots as soon as possible.
Rongram BDO, Shelly Ch Momin, while sharing her experience, urged parents to vaccinate their children in time and to take the opportunity of the facilities being provided by the government.
On the other hand, Tura DMCHO, Dr Ivonne M Sangma, briefed the gathering about the aims and objectives of the universal immunisation programme, which is to protect every child from various diseases by administering the vaccine as well as to reduce mother and infant mortality in the region.
South West Garo Hills
As part of the state-wide launch, the PCV was launched in South West Garo Hills at Damalgre Sub Centre by DM&HO Dr Lily Sengme Ch Marak in the presence of the district medical officers and other officials.
West Jaintia Hills
The Additional District Medical & Health Officer of West Jaintia Hills, Dr E Challam, who launched the PCV at Chutwakhu Urban Primary Health Centre, while expressing her gratitude to the government, expressed hoped that the mothers will get their children vaccinated in time.