So far 39 lakh children in Punjab vaccinated under campaign against Measles-Rubella
Disclosing this on Tuesday, the Health and Family Welfare Minister of Punjab Brahm Mohindra said that despite all the initial hiccups, the success of this campaign can be gauged from the fact that, in 28 days of its launching around 39 lacs children have been administered the MR vaccine.
He said that whole Health paraphernalia stood up to the occasion and worked tirelessly to sensitize the general public especially the parents and teachers to achieve the desire result by bringing children forward for the MR vaccination. He said that till date we are more than satisfied that MR vaccination is moving forward to achieve its target as on 28 days of the launching of this campaign we have been able to administer MR vaccination around 39 lacs children.
Giving details about the arrangements made by the health department, the Minister said that in order to ensure coverage of more than 70 lacs children, Punjab Government has been deployed 5200 vaccination teams having 3 members in each team and 1733 supervisors to cover about 29000 schools conducting nearly 59000 vaccination sessions across the state. He said that about 5200 vaccinators, nearly 19000 ASHAs and 25000 Anganwadi Workers have been trained and so far, teachers from about 29000 schools have also been sensitized about the campaign.
Health Minister said that Measles is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus. “An estimated nearly 49,000 children die from measles annually, making it one of the leading causes of child deaths in India,” he concluded.
BACKGROUND:
The State-wide Vaccination Campaign against Measles-Rubella was kicked-off on 1ST May from Punjab’s Faridkot district as a part of a National strategy to eliminate Measles and control Rubella in the country. During the mega campaign, around 75 lakh children aged between 9 months to 15 years will be vaccinated.
