As Measles- Rubella vaccination is going to be rolled out in Madhya Pradesh, A State level Media workshop on Measles –Rubella Campaign was organized at Palash residency, Bhopal by Department of Health and Family Welfare in partnership with UNICEF, WHO and UNDP. Around 90 media persons participated in the same.
Speaking at the workshop, Nishant Warwade, Mission Director, National Health Mission, said that all preparations have been made for launch of measles rubella campaign, on January 15 in Madhya Pradesh. 2.32 crore children will be immunized in the four phases in schools, Anganwadis, Outreach and mop up sessions. All health facilities will also have free measles rubella vaccine and regular routine immunization sessions.
Monitoring will be key aspect of the campaign both at State and district level. He requested Media Persons to play significant and active partner role to publish campaign highlights from all over the state in order to give strong message on MR vaccination for children.
Dr Santosh Shukla State Immunization Officer, Madhya Pradesh explained about the symptoms of Measles and Rubella in children and pregnant women. He explained the rationale and operational plan of the upcoming MR campaign in the State. He also shared the cold chain mechanism and use of auto disposable syringe in the campaign. Vipin Shrivastava, State Cold Chain officer, showed the cold chain vaccine carrier and explained about the temperature 2 to 8 degrees that is needed to store the vaccine.
Dr BN Chauhan ,Director National Health Mission said that campaign will cover public and private sector settings like schools, government hospitals and other health facilities to reach out to children in the age group of nine months to less than 15 years. Vandana Bhatia, UNICEF Health Specialist, Abhishek Jain Regional Team Leader, WHO India, Dr OP Tiwari, Deputy Director Immunisation, Alok Billore of Rotary International, Chandrahas Sharma of IAP were present on the dais. Anil Gulati Communication Specialist, UNICEF, conducted the workshop.