Mawkyrwat: With some people from around 10 villages in the district still not accepting injections or immunisations due to misunderstanding and superstitious, the Health Department, South West Khasi Hills District has sought the cooperation of all the headmen, church leaders and other stake holders in creating mass awareness about the 3rd round Special Intensified Mission Indradhanush (SIMI).
Speaking to The Shillong Times, the District Medical & Health Officer (DM&HO) of South West Khasi Hills District, Dr. M Marbaniang informed that till now there are some people both in Mawkyrwat and Ranikor C&RD Block who refuse to immunise their children and pregnant women.
“About 10 per cent of the population in 4 villages under Mawkyrwat CHC, 2 villages under Mawthawpdah PHC, Rangthong PHC and Ranikor CHC respectively who are not immunising their children and pregnant women because of misunderstanding or superstitions,” the DM&HO said.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner cum Chairman District Health Society, South West Khasi Hills District, I. Laloo, said that they are targeting 53 villages for immunisation.
“In the 1st round, the immunisation was 82 per cent while the 2nd round was 65.8 per cent. This time, we want 100 per cent immunisation,” she said, adding that the figure in the 1st and 2nd round indicated that many people still refuse injections due to many reasons.
Laloo also appreciated the headmen, church leaders, and different organisation for playing a key role in creating awareness to the people about various programmes of the government. She also informed that the 3rd round started on Monday and will continue till June 22. She also requests all pregnant women as well as parents of children below 2 years for immunisation.
