Dimapur, October 3 (MExN): The Nagaland State Department of Health & Family Welfare has launched a special vaccination campaign to eliminate Measles and control Rubella on October 3. Launching programme of measles and rubella vaccination campaign was held at Dr. Neilhouzhu Kire GHSS, Seikhazou, Kohima on October 3. Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio; Minister of Health & Family Welfare, S. Pangyu Phom; Advisor of Rural Development, Neikiesalie Nicky Kire and senior officers graced the programme. The campaign was also launched in all the districts and sub-division in the state of Nagaland.
Kiphire: In Kiphire district, altogether 36 nurses are deployed to administer 21,000 children on Measles Rubella Vaccination in the entire district which was launched by Minister Soil and Water Conservation, Geology & Mining by V. Kahsiho Sangtam at Loyola Higher Secondary School in presence of parents, teachers, officers and well-wishers on October 3.
Speaking at the launching programme, the Minister said that Measles Rubella is an effort to save the children to be safe from diseases. Appealing to the gathering to extend all possible help towards the success of the campaign he said, “If there is no co-operation, there will be no success and the exercise will be futile.” He also asked the parents to extend all possible support so that no child is left behind without being vaccinated.
The Minister also said, “the district is ranked the most backward in the country because we are lacking behind in sectors like health and is now an Aspirant District” and added, “rumours are spreading in social media about the vaccination but one should know that for any good there will be evil force with evil motive” and asked that parents not to be carried away with rumours.
Later, after the programme the Minister launched the MVRC. Dr Pewezo Khalo, DIO and Dr E. Motsuthung Patton CMO also spoke during the function. Mon: After massive effort and with immense exhaustion, District Health Society, Mon kicks off with the inaugural programme on Measles Rubella Vaccination. The programme was conducted at St Mary's High School on October 3.
Welcoming the mass, the Headmaster, Suresh, reported that there are still some qualms around the school with many questions and doubts on MR inspite of the repeated assurance. Deputy Commissioner, Mon, once again assured the gathered crowed by saying that the Measles Rubella vaccine has been certified by the World Health Organization and that it is totally safe. He explained on both the diseases,' Measles & Rubella' and how it affects children, which can only be prevented by being vaccinated. With these words, DC Mon launched the campaign by cutting the ribbon of the vaccination room. Subsequently, a prayer of dedication was pronounced by Rev. Chingang Konyak, Home Evangelist, KBCM followed by vote of thanks by Dr Kechongol Sophie, Chief Medical Officer, Mon.
Leeyan Chemshy, Media Officer, NHM, MON in a press release stated that chairing the programme, Dr Thungdeno Murry concluded by requesting DC, Mon to administer the first vaccine and to hand over the vaccination card.
Wokha: Wokha district also held the launching programme of the Measles Rubella Vaccination campaign was held on at DBHSS, Wokha.
MLA Dr. Chumben Murry while launching the MR campaign said the campaign is a renewed effort in bringing down Measles and Rubella and urged all to extend co-operation to make the campaign a success. He also stated that what we are doing today is for prevention of the two diseases and appealed all parents to give effort so that not a single child is left out. He also congratulated the medical staff involved in the painstaking work and the efforts they have put in to make the campaign a success.
Deputy Commissioner, Wokha, Dr. Manazir Jeelani Samoon, IAS said that the aim of this campaign is to eliminate the two killer disease by 2020 and control Rubella and appealed to all the parents not to have any misconception regarding the vaccine because it has no adverse effect.
The launching programme was chaired by Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Robin Lotha, dedication prayer was offered by Associate Pastor WTBC Zurenthung Humtsoe while vote of thanks was proposed by Rev. Fr. T.T. Joseph Principal DBHSS.
Longleng: Longleng district launched the MR Vaccination Campaign at St. Joseph School, Longleng with Deputy Commissioner, John Tsulise Sangtam as the special guest.
Addressing the gathering, the DC asserted that students are ignorant and may be unaware of the vaccination but it is the responsibility of the parents and the teachers to guide and give right information about the importance of the vaccine to their children and students. Maintaining that good health is essential for better education and healthy society he appealed to make Longleng cent percent MR vaccinated district in the state. The Dc also informed that in case of any eventuality the medical professionals are well equipped and ready to ensure the safety of the children. He urged the parents to seek first the advice of the Doctors and avoid social media for any eventuality to prevent rumour and mislead our people.
The DC also congratulated Dr. Imnameren and his team for their yeomen service in disseminating awareness on MR Vaccine covering every village, Churches, Schools, wards, etc for the last four months in the district.
Dr S Imnameren Phom, DPO (RCH/UIP) Longleng in his keynote address clarified on rumor spreading in social media and safety of MR Vaccine. He asserted that the vaccine is not a new thing but only the programme itself is new and not to panic. Dr. Imnameren also informed that a total of 12717 beneficiaries have been targeted in Longleng district covering 111 schools, 52 villages and 11 wards. Out of the total beneficiaries 9906 are students and will be vaccinated in the schools, he added.
Short speeches were also delivered by Dr. O. Kongyan Phom CMO Longleng, O. Orthyumomo Lotha ADEO (Education) Longleng, President Phom Students’ Conference Longleng and Fr. Charles Phom Headmaster St. Joseph School Longleng. A short play on MR Vaccination was performed by the students of St. Joseph School.
Mokokchung: Deputy Commissioner Mokokchung, Sachin Jaiswal, IAS launched the Measles & Rubella Vaccination campaign in the district at a programme held at Children School, Mokokchung.
Speaking on the occasion, the DC said this campaign is for all the target age group in the society to eliminate the effect of the disease. He called upon all the workers in the campaign to reach out to all the targeted groups and to make sure that no child is left out. This campaign is not for individual alone but for the benefit of the society also, he said.
Earlier in the programme keynote address was delivered by Dr. P. Medemmayang MS, IMDH & CMO in charge Mokokchung. Vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Sholong Jamir GDMO, UPHC Mokokchung. The programme was chaired by Achila VCCM.
Zunheboto: Zunheboto district started the Measles and Rubella Vaccination Campaign (MRVC) on October 3. The vaccination campaign was launched by Deputy Commissioner Zunheboto, Shanavas C, IAS.
Speaking at the launching programme, the DC said that all involved had worked hard for about two months for this campaign and that Government of India has invested a lot for this campaign in India to eradicate measles and rubella and that the public should not be misled by false propaganda about this campaign. The Medical department should bring up any problem with the administration in the right time as all the administrative officers are ever ready to help. He also requested the church to pray for success of the campaign and that the church leaders should educate the people about the campaign.
CMO Zunheboto, Dr. C.W. Tungoe, in his welcome address, said this vaccine will be given to children from 9 months to 15 years of age and that the target for Zunheboto is 25,096 children. He added that this vaccination is safe and public should not be scared of the false propaganda that is being spread. The MRVC will be done in 3 phases, 1st phase to Schools, 2nd Phase to Outreach and 3rd phase to Unreached: which will be done with special mobile units.
Earlier release of MR vaccines was done by Deputy Commissioner Zunheboto, District Welfare Officer Zunheboto, District Education Officer Zunheboto, and Principal, GHSS Zunheboto.
Peren: Peren District also launched MR vaccination at Old Town Peren Headquarter. In the Campaign held at GMS Keletzai ward ADC Peren, Chubawati Chang graced the launching programme. The MR Campaign held at GHSS Jalukie Town was graced by the presence of ADC Peren, Dr. Tinojongshi Chang, Dr. Denis Hangsing, CMO Peren and Dr. Albert, MO CHC Jalukie. On day one, 42 schools were covered.
