DIMAPUR — Nagaland is continuing its efforts to eliminate measles and rubella (MR) by December 2023, in accordance with the national commitment, and has scheduled a mop-up vaccination schedule from November 20 to 30.
According to a DIPR report, the state conducted a coverage analysis to identify areas with suboptimal MR vaccination coverage, and MR elimination drives were conducted in April-May and August-September.
The goal of the drives is to achieve and maintain MR elimination, with zero transmission of endemic measles and rubella cases and a target vaccination coverage of 95%.
MR vaccines are given in two doses: the first dose (MR1) at nine months and the second dose (MR2) between 16 and 24 months. If a child misses any doses, the vaccine can be administered up to the age of five. The drives target children from nine months to five years for the MR1 dose and those who have not received the MR2 dose.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]The state reported a 96% coverage rate for the first dose (MR1) of the vaccine and 92% for the second dose (MR2). However, there are variations between districts. The objective is to achieve over 95% coverage in all districts.
To ensure comprehensive vaccination, it is critical to address left-outs and drop-outs. To address this, the state has implemented Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) rounds and maintained regular routine immunisation sessions to close the gap.
Identified barriers to complete immunisation include fear of side effects and a lack of awareness.
Community engagement plays a vital role in raising awareness and generating demand for vaccination. Advocacy initiatives are being pursued to highlight the importance of timely vaccination, reminding the public that vaccines are available free of charge at all government health facilities.
The report maintained that collaborations with allied departments, faith-based organisations, civil society organisations, village council chairpersons, and community groups are being sought to ensure that all children under five receive their MR doses during the forthcoming mop-up round in government health units.
The Kohima District Task Force (DTF) for immunisation held a meeting on Monday at the conference hall of the deputy commissioner, Kohima, focusing on the upcoming MR mop-up campaign.
According to a DIPR report, during the meeting, Dr. Khrievilhou Nakhro, district programme officer for RCH/UIP Kohima, highlighted the accomplishments of the drives, reporting a 96% success rate in vaccinating for measles, rubella, and routine immunisation from April to November 2023.
He emphasised the preparation of a microplan to identify and reach those left out or dropouts for MR vaccination during the mop-up campaign scheduled from November 20 to November 30, and expressed gratitude to all stakeholders and line departments for their continuous support, urging them to contribute wholeheartedly to achieve the targeted goals.
Kehile Semp, district coordinator for the Indian Social Responsibility Network (ISRN), presented on the occasion a comprehensive report on the activities of ISRN, while Areni, district consultant at ISRN, shared experiences gained during the vaccination drive.
In his closing remarks, DC Kohima Kumar Ramnikant commended the DTF immunisation team for their endeavours and urged all stakeholders and line departments to intensify efforts in disseminating the benefits of MR vaccination to ensure the success of the campaign.
Related story: Nagaland aims to eliminate measles rubella by December 2023