EMN
DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 11
FROM now on, 11 immunisation vaccine vans will transport vaccines and logistics from the State Headquarters in Kohima to the district headquarters and to the ILR points in Nagaland.
The vaccine vans will also serve as a mobile IEC platform with the immunisation slogans displayed on the body of the van so as to sensitise and create awareness. They will also be utilized to transport the ANM to and from the outreach session. Besides, these vans will transport immunisation wastes from outreach session sites back to the PHCs/CHCs for safe disposal as these are potential health hazards if not properly disposed. Launching the vaccine vans at the office premises of the Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, Kohima on Wednesday, Principal Director, department of Health & Family Welfare, Dr Neiphi Kire expressed confidence that with the launching of the vaccine vans, the supply chain management will be regular in all the districts. He urged the district officers to ensure timely delivery of the vaccines at the health units, according to a release issued by Health & Family Welfare department.
Addressing the staff and District Programme Officers (RCH & UIP) during the launch of the vans, Dr Neiphi appealed to the programme officers to ensure that the immunisation coverage reaches the entire population at the rural set up. He also urged them to maintain the vans properly and not to misuse them.
Taking the opportunity, Dr Neiphi also said the Government of India has approved up-gradation of Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) to a Medical College and also for a new District Hospital.
Earlier, while welcoming the staff and district officials, Dr Kemp, Director (Health), requested those directly involved in the districts to re-dedicate themselves and ensure that full immunisation is attained in the State and the targets set are achieved.
Meanwhile, with a view to increase immunisation coverage, the department is conducting Village Health & Nutrition Days (VHNDs) with special emphasis in the hard to reach areas. VHNDs have been emphasized in the State to achieve target of lowering IMR, MMR, TFR, under five mortality, population stabilisation etc… by taking the primary health care to the doorstep of the people. These health indices depend a lot on full immunisation of infants.
The coverage of infant with full immunisation has increased from 27.8% (CES 2009) to 57.6% (HMIS 2012).
Since these vans have been provided with 4-wheel drive capability, utility of these vehicles during the monsoon and on the type of roads in the interior districts will be increased. Intensification of immunisation activities will also be possible with these vaccine vans in the interior parts of the districts.
With the addition of Japanese Encephalitis vaccination and the second dose of Measles, the Routine Immunisation Vaccination now provides protection from seven vaccine preventable diseases, which are major causes of under-5 mortality besides diarrhea and RTI.
