The Chhattisgarh Government has launched Pentavalent vaccine in the State. The much awaited vaccine was launched by Pratap Singh, Commissioner of Health & Family Welfare on Friday in an event organised in collaboration with UNICEF. Pentavalent vaccine protects children between 0-3 years of age against five dangerous diseases — diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), hepatitis B, and HaemophilusInfluenzae type b (often known as Hib).
Speaking on the occasion, Singh said that it is a joyous occasion for all the members of the health department as we brace ourselves to save children of the State with Pentavalent vaccine. He said that with the new vaccine, the pain will be less for the children as it requires only one prick for five diseases. Singh also reiterated that the administration should strive to reduce infant mortality rate (IMR) to 28 percent by 2017.
Carrie Auer, Chief of Field Services, UNICEF India, unveiling the immunisation card said that Immunisation is one of the most important preventive health actions in children’s lives, as it provides protection against the most dangerous childhood diseases. She said that the introduction of Pentavalent in India will mean that more than 90 per cent of the world’s poorest children will be vaccinated against Hib.
Auer reaffirmed UNICEF support to the Government through its technical assistance in Cold Chain Management, build capacities of the Government machinery and filling human resource gaps if any. India’s decision to introduce the Pentavalent vaccine will bring the country and the world significantly closer to achieving Millennium Development Goal 4 which aims to reduce child mortality by two-thirds by the end of 2015.
UNICEF will also join the Government in raising awareness on the importance of immunisation, the benefits of Pentavalent vaccine through a campaign she said. Speaking on the occasion, Prasanta Dash, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF reassured the Government of its support in spreading awareness on immunisation and especially on Pentavalent through campaigning and building capacities of the key stakeholders in the State.
Dr A F Tamboli, IAS, Mission Director of National Health Mission said that with the introduction of the new vaccine the inconvenience of visiting the hospitals multiple times will reduce and the same time can be used in taking care of the babies. He said that Pentavalent is a protective shield which protects children from five deadly diseases. It is estimated that more than 18 million children in India will be immunised with Pentavalent vaccine by the end of 2015. The Gavi Alliance which constitutes UNICEF, WHO, Govt of India and other public and private players are making it possible
Dr Subhash Pandey, State Immunisation Officer introduced the distinguished gathering on the stage and led the launching process. The launch was attended by senior officials from the Health Department, UNICEF, WHO and Mitanins, the frontline health workers without whom immunisation wouldn’t be possible, officials stated.