AMPATI: The meeting of District Task Force on Immunization (DTFI), South West Garo Hills held here discussed the upcoming Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) which would be launched from October 7, next, according to a government communique.
It may be mentioned that after Mission Indradhanush failed to achieve the targeted immunization coverage, the IMI is being launched nationwide to ensure reaching the unreached children up to two years and pregnant mothers with all available vaccines and accelerate full immunization and also sustain the same.
In South West Garo Hills district, even after four rounds of Mission Indradhanush, there has been high Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) due to many dropouts in routine immunization although the percentage of coverage is higher than that of overall state average.
The District Task Force on Immunization has been formed to enhance the involvement and accountability of all concerned functionaries in the district and all stake holders through convergent efforts to full immunization coverage. The meeting reviewed preparation of micro plan and district preparedness for implementation of IMI. IEC/BCC activities would be conducted in the villages to generate awareness among the rural masses and raise demand for immunization services under IMI.
The Deputy Commissioner asked the medical officers present to identify the gaps and challenges in conducting routine immunization so that they can prepare themselves for better implementation of IMI.
He also called for greater involvement of village heads like the Nokmas and Gaonburas and stressed the need for vaccinators to educate the beneficiaries about the benefits of immunization. Suggestions like delivering birth certificates of new born babies directly to the villages was also made for easy identification of children to be immunized. He asked the medical officers to use their communication skills and persuasive powers to help communities and parents understand the importance of routine immunization to protect their children from diseases and increase their confidence in vaccines.