Nagaland plans to vaccinate 4.72 lakh children for Measles-Rubella

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio Wednesday launched the Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign (MRVC) in the state targeting to vaccinate 4.72 lakh children in the age group of 9 months to 15 years during the next five weeks. 

Rio called upon all to join hands in successful elimination of Measles and Rubella through the vaccination campaign to make Nagaland a healthy and progressive state. 

The chief minister said "This is a safe vaccine, certified by WHO and will help our children in battling Measles and Rubella and reduce mortality caused by these diseases." 

Rio said "there is nothing to worry and do not get misled by negative information and false propaganda." The chief minister also appealed to church bodies and NGOs to spread the message about the campaign so as to ensure 100 per cent coverage. 

"We love our children and want them to be healthy and therefore we seek the cooperation of all the parents and school authorities in successful conducting the campaign," Rio said. 

Nagaland Minister for Health and Family Welfare, S Pangnyu Phom said that the department in partnership with two other government departments - School Education and Social Welfare is ready to undertake the massive campaign in the state after being fully equipped with four months of training. 

"If the children between the said groups are vaccinated the two killer diseases will be eliminated and make our state healthier," he said. 

Mission Director of National Health Mission, Nagaland, Dr Kevichusa Medikhru said the campaign would be carried out for the next five weeks with initial two week campaign in all the schools both private and government, the third and fourth week campaign would be held in the Anganwadi Centre, Sub-Centres, Primary Health Centres and Community Health Centres. 

During the fifth week, the sweeping campaign would be conducted so that any child missing the vaccination during the four weeks would be vaccinated, he added.

(With inputs from agencies.)