Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio launches Measles & Rubella vaccination campaign in Nagaland

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today launched Measles & Rubella Vaccination Campaign (MRVC) at Dr. Neilhouzhü Kire Government Higher Secondary School, Seikhazou, Kohima . Rio while launching the campaign expressed hope that Nagaland will soon become 100% free from measles and rubella through the campaign.

A child named Vikhiesielie Sachu received the first MR vaccine which was released by Rio.

Rio described the campaign day as a historic day for the Nagas – where his Government put a combination of more than four months of planning, hard work, trainings and execution.

Rio said that Nagaland may be among the last states to launch the campaign but is now planning to achieve 100% coverage.

“We love our children. We want our children to be healthy because no parent wants his or her children to be sick or to be affected with this kind of diseases which take precious lives,” said Rio while launching the campaign.

The Nagaland CM ruled out the danger of vaccination and urged the citizens not to be misled by negative information and false propaganda. Citing 100% safety of the vaccination Rio said, “This is a safe vaccine, certified by the WHO and will help our children in battling Measles and Rubella.”

According to NHM Nagaland mission director, Dr. Kevichusa Medikhru in Nagaland measles has caused 12 deaths in 2016, 12 deaths in 2017 and took lives of three children during measles outbreak at Kiphire two-three weeks back.

He besides said the campaign duration shall be approximately about one month. The initial 2 weeks will be school based campaign, following 2 weeks will be community based campaign for missed out children and the 5th week will be sweeping/repeat activity derived from supervision and monitoring findings.

The chief objective of MRVC is to eliminate measles diseases and control Rubella by providing vaccination to all children from 9 months to 15 years with measles and Rubella vaccine and to protect the children from the two lethal diseases.

Measles & Rubella are contagious viral diseases that spread through coughing, sneezing and contact. The infected children have high fever, rash on the body, cough, running nose and red watery eyes. Although there is no specific treatment available for the diseases but can be prevented by proper and timely vaccination.