Population immunity study begins

A Correspondent

MRUP, March 30: In a bid to find out the level of protection against measles and rubella among the population of India, ICMR, Regiol Medical Research Centre, NE Region, Dibrugarh, in collaboration with Johns Blooming School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA and WHO, India, has started its study in Dibrugarh district covering 30 villages and wards respectively.

This population immunity study has covered nine States of India and in the north-eastern region Assam (Dibrugarh district) and Tripura are the two States selected for this purpose. In this study, the study coorditors will inquire about the health status of the target group, including child’s vaccition history. Blood samples will be collected for measles and rubella testing and also to find out the presence of antibodies to measles and rubella virus that protect against these diseases.

Dr SK Sharma, Scientist F, ICMR, Dibrugarh, who also conducted this study as Principal Investigator of NE region, said that as measles and rubella were the leading causes of child mortality and birth defects in the world. Information from this study would guide the government to take necessary measures to improve the level of protection against these diseases and also elimition of measles and control of rubella by 2020. Besides, consent for the participation in the study is voluntary and the information collected regarding the health of the family will be kept confidential.