Jammu: Deputy Commissioner, Ramesh Kumar Saturday chaired a meeting of District Task Force for the routine immunization (DTFI) for Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign 2018.
The meeting was attended by ADDC Suraiya Jabeen, CPO Girdhari Lal Sharma, PO ICDS, Natasha Kalsotra, CMO Dr Sanjay Turki, CEO JK Sudan , DIO Anila Koul and other officers.
During the meeting, a detailed discussion was held on MR vaccination campaign implementation strategy besides other key aspects of the vaccination campaign in the district.
The DC, who is also Chairman of District Task Force, highlighted the importance of acquiring complete knowledge about the preventive measures of Measles-Rubella disease, asked the DTFI to identify the target groups, conduct surveys and prepare separate plans for vulnerable groups. “Ensure inter-sectoral coordination between key departments and involve all stake holders”, DC to DTFI.
He further asked them to put in a committed effort in order to achieve the objective of the campaign i.e to rapidly build up immunity for both measles and rubella diseases and ensure that all the children should receive MR vaccine during the campaign.
Stressing on spreading mass awareness regarding the vaccination, the DC instructed for circulating informative materials at public places and asked the Task Force to make an optimal use of effective communication tools such as social media, radio, newspapers etc. He further asked them to utilize the services of ASHA and Anganwadi workers for the campaign.
The DC asked the DTFI to increase number of teams and days in case of schools with high number of enrollment. He further instructed the CEO to ensure the 100 % presence of the students during the vaccination day so that no children are left without vaccination.
The meeting was informed that during the month of August, awareness campaign and data compilation will be done and the vaccination campaign is to be held in September 2018 in the district. The campaign will be carried out in schools, community centers and health facilities. All children from 9 months to less than 15 years of age will be given a single shot of Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination during the campaign. Following the campaign, MR vaccine will become a part of routine immunization and will replace measles vaccine. For those children who have already received such vaccination, the campaign dose would provide additional boosting to them.
Pertinently, the Measles-Rubella campaign is a part of global efforts to reduce illness and deaths due to measles and rubella/CRS in the country. India, along with ten other WHO South East Asia Region member countries, has resolved to eliminate measles and control rubella/congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) by 2020.
