District Collector Guha Punam Tapas Kumar has once again emphasised on convergence of services of health, education, ST and SC Development Department and ICDS for absolute coverage of MR (Measles and Rubella) vaccination in the entire district which was launched on January 29.
Within less than 25 days of its launching, 83.5 per cent of the target group of children from nine months to 15 years has been successfully vaccinated. While in other districts of Odisha, there are reports of serious side effects and even deaths, Rayagada has not yet witnessed any such happenings.
Guha herself is not only concerned about these two dreaded viral diseases and involved in the launching ceremony but als0o strictly monitoring the entire campaign through top officers like CDMO, ADMO, Medical Officers, DPM, BPMs, PD-DRDA, PA-ITDAs, Sub-Collectors, DEO, ADEO, BEOs, BDOs, CDPOs. Recently during a review meeting, she applauded the sincere effort of BEO(Block Education Officer), Kashipur for having the highest achievement of 92 per cent within a period of 20 days. As in Kolnara block the achievement was 82 per cent, being the lowest, the concerned BEO was warned to accelerate the process.
“Block level Task Force (BlTF) meeting consisting of BDOs, CDPOs, BEOs and Medical Officers(I/c) need to meet twice and as a mop-up measure, revisit the micro-plan done for this MR campaign and redraft it for the left out 59,170 children. As the achievement cover for the community is at higher side, the focus must now is to integrate the school dropouts and the young children at Anganwadi Centres. The BEOs must ensure that the PTA(Parents and Teachers) and SMC(School Management Committee) meetings are conducted in all the schools to check the deplorable situation.
“Though the campaign will end by March 26 with a target coverage of 3, 23,728 children, nobody should wait till that and complete the vaccination process by March 15. The authorities violating the instructions will be taken to task,” said Collector Guha.
As per the reports from the field, certain pockets dominated by Christian population in Padmapur, Gunupur and Ramanaguda blocks are lagging behind vaccination due to rumors spread by a video mentioning that the effects of the vaccines would have long term impact like impotency. Kulusing, Putasing and Chinasari GPs are highly affected.
Though the local medical staff have tried their level best to counter this video which has gone viral, there is least influence on the communities. The Collector suggested for third party involving local PRI members, opinion leaders, NGOs and mediapersons, who would move to these pockets and interact with the people, especially with tribals to understand the need of MR vaccination and not to sway away with the rumours.