Hailakandi moves closer to meeting target

A Correspondent

Hailakandi, April 25: Hailakandi district is moving closer towards reaching the target of immunization of children under two years of age and pregnant women under the Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) launched in 11 identified villages as part of the ongoing Gram Swaraj Abhiyan.

Of 106 children, 87 children, 8 out of 9 pregnant women so far have been immunized. The exercise will conclude on April 27. Meanwhile, the district is gearing up for the upcoming Measles Rubella (MR) campaign. Orientation trainings are being conducted for principals, headmasters and nodal persons of 48 schools by the Additional Chief Medical and Health Office (FW) at GNM Training School at Hailakandi and at Katlicherra, Lala, Algapur and Kalinagar Block Primary Health Centres across the district. A day-long Media Advocacy Workshop for sensitization of media persons for the upcoming MR campaign will be held on Thursday.

 The introduction of the new Measles Rubella vaccine in the Universal Immunization Programme aims to reduce childhood mortality and protect children from the highly preventable major killer disease - measles. The first-time introduction of the Rubella vaccine, in a combination MR shot, protects against irreversible and devastating birth defects. The MR campaign targets around 41 crore children in the age group of nine months to 15 years, making it one of the largest ever immunization campaigns of its kind.  “Immunization is one of the most effective and cost-effective ways to protect children’s lives and future. Through full immunization coverage, we can make sure that the benefits of life-saving vaccines reach every child. The newly introduced Measles-Rubella vaccine, which will be provided for free in schools, in health facilities and at outreach session sites, during the campaign, is another big step towards achieving our goals,” said Joint Director, Health Services, Dr Avijit Basu.