Share
Dr. Thorhusie Katiry administering the first dose of Rotavirus vaccine to a child at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima on Friday after it was formally launched.[/caption]
Kartiry informed at the launch event that available data indicates that in India, Rotavirus is responsible for nearly 40% of moderate to severe diarrhoea in children less than five years; Rotavirus diarrhoea is responsible for 32,70,000 out-patient visits, 8,72,000 hospitalisations and 78,000 deaths annually, according to an update from DIPR.
He said the government has taken up many steps to reduce diarrhoea burden, and the introduction of Rotavirus vaccine is a step in that direction. He added that vaccination is the only protection available against Rotavirus diarrhoea.
SIO, DHFW, Dr. Ritu Thurr briefed in his introductory note that this vaccine will be introduced in routine immunisation programme and will be given 5 drops orally at 6, 10 and 14 weeks along with Penta-1, 2 & 3 vaccine.
He mentioned that Rotavirus vaccine, like other routine immunisation vaccines, will be provided free of cost. The introduction of rotavirus vaccine under national immunisation programme will ensure that this vaccine is available in government-run immunisation programme of the country which was earlier available in private market to only those who could afford it.
He also urged the parents and communities to avail this opportunity as it can keep the disease at bay from children.
The oral Rotavirus vaccine was launched in the district as part of routine immunisation schedule under universal immunisation programme with Dr. Antoly Suu, Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Dimapur administering the first five-drops of the vaccine.
During the brief launching programme, Suu stated that Rotavirus diarrhoea is one of the leading causes of death among children below five years the newly introduced vaccine will protect a child from diarrhoea caused by the virus, informed a press release issued on Friday.
She further informed that the vaccine, which has been included in the routine immunisation schedule of the district, can be availed free of cost from all government health units.
The Rotavirus vaccine was formally launched at the Conference Hall of CMO Office, Mon on August 2. Deputy Commissioner of Mon, Thavaseelan K, IAS, requested all the health workers and entire stakeholder departments to make concerted effort to reach out to the targeted beneficiaries. He also asked the department to ensure that no child is left out from the caccination campaign.
Dr. Shasinle Tep, DPO (UIP & RCH) Mon, while introducing the vaccine, stated that it is used to protect against rotavirus infections. She added that the vaccine can be given to children aged between six weeks and one year, and there 593 targeted persons (may increase) in Mon district.
Dr. Kechongol Sophie, CMO Mon, said while delivering the welcome address that diarrhoea cases will drastically decrease and health status of the children will be improved in the district if the vaccine is effectively implemented.
Along with the rest of the districts in the State, Rotavirus vaccine was launched at District Vaccine Store (DVS) Peren with Tinu Jongshi, ADC Jalukie administering the first drop. One-and-a-half-month-old boy named Kangzangyipiong, son of Hiapoi from Jalukie town, was the first to receive the RVV drops in the district, informed CMO office.
Dr. Nukshisangla Jamir, DPO UIP/RCH along with Dr. Kevi Meyase, DPO NVBDCP and Dr. Yetovi Tuccu, SMO CHC Jalukie, staff of CHC and DVS Peren were also present during the launching programme.
The new vaccine was launched at the District Hospital in the presence of Deputy Commissioner John Tsulise Sangtam, who was the special guest of the programme.
Dr Imnameren Phom, DPO (RCH/UIP), in his keynote address briefed on Rotavirus vaccine, facts and figures, number of rotavirus-related hospitalisation and deaths, how it is spread and ways of diagnosing, informed a press release received on Friday. He informed that there is no medicine for rotavirus and the vaccine will be available in all the health units. He added that it can also be availed during Village Health Nutrition Day.
Sangtam encouraged everyone to eliminate misconceptions and rumours surrounding the vaccine. He urged all the stakeholders, PPC, Phomla Hoichem, Phom Students’ Conference, Chamber of Commerce, teachers, ward presidents, church leaders, ASHAs and Anganwadi workers to eliminate misconceptions.
While assuring help and support from the department, Tauhong Phom, CDPO Longleng, appealed to the frontline workers to mobilise the people in the villages and disseminate corrent information and awareness to everyone.
After the short programme, the Deputy Commissioner and CDPO administered Rotavirus vaccine to the first beneficiaries.
The vaccine was launched at a short programme held at District Hospital, Phek. Dr. Kolhitso Khalo, district immunisation officer, informed during the event that Rotavirus is responsible for 40% of diarrhoea in under-five children and accounts for 78000 deaths in India annually, and that vaccination can prevent infection of the virus.
Dr. Wetshelo, Sr. Pediatrician, administered Rotavirus vaccine drops to the first beneficiary, informed Kutolu Nakro, District Media Officer Phek, in a statement.
The District Health Society (DHS) Tuensang organised the Rotavirus vaccine in the district and Deputy CMO, Dr. I Temsu Longchar administered the first five drops of the vaccine in the presence of DIO (UIP & RCH) Dr. Thungchanpeni and other health workers.
The District Media Officer has informed through a statement that the programme was held at Urban Health Centre (UHC) and was attended by UHC staff, DPMU staff, UIP staff, parents and others.
Deputy CMO Dr. Zuben Kikon launched the Rotavirus vaccine at Dr. Motsuo Memorial Hospital on Friday. While informing that it is an “expansion of the basket of immunisation that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is providing to beneficiaries in all the health units across the country, he urged the public to avail the vaccine which is given to infants at 6, 10 and 14 weeks.
The programme was chaired by Dr. Khelito Zhimomi, DPP (UIP/ RCH), and attended by DPM, doctors and staff of District Hospital, and beneficiaries.