TURA: A sensitisation meeting of the District Task Force on vaccination campaign on measles-rubella was held at DRDA Hall, Tura on Friday with all the stake holders under the aegis of District Medical & Health Office (DMHO), West Garo Hills.
Chairing the meet, Deputy Commissioner Ram Singh, who is also the Chairman of District Health Society, appreciated the DMHO for calling meeting on one of the critical health issues which normally afflict children and turn fatal if neglected. He therefore, suggested all the stake holders particularly the department of Health & Family Welfare to take up the campaign aggressively and in mission mode and spread awareness about the disease.
Dr. Ivory A. Sangma, District Maternal & Child Health Officer, giving an in dept insight into the disease informed that campaign envisages on organising mass vaccination programmes against measles-rubella disease targeting children from the age group of 9 to less 15 years of age.
During the introduction campaign, all children in the target age group would be given an additional dose of the vaccine regardless of previous vaccination status or history of illness, Sangma said.
She said, “Measles could cause health complications including blindness, diarrhea, respiratory infections such as pneumonia etc. Whereas, rubella which is prevalent across the country can affect susceptible expecting mothers which may lead to complex congenital anomalies in children causing some lifelong disabilities in them.”
According to her, there are no specific remedies for both measles and rubella; the diseases can be prevented by immunisation by the MR vaccine.
Dr. Ivonne. M. Sangma, Sr. Medical & Health Officer, attached to DM & HO, Tura, presented a penetrative and powerful visual power point presentation on the various aspects of Measles-Rubella Introduction Campaign.
