J&K government gears up to eliminate measles-rubella

New Delhi: In a major move aimed at eliminating congenital rubella syndrome, which is caused by the rubella virus and measles, the J&K government is all set to launch Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign from the early September.

The campaign, which is aimed at targeting more than 45 lakh children from the age of 9 months to 15 years in the state, would be rolled out in the state in the phased manner and it would be completed within stipulated time. The campaign is being run by J&K government with active support from the Integrated Child Development Scheme, WHO and UNICEF.

As per J&K government officials, about 49 lakh doses of vaccine would be required to complete the vaccination campaign across the state. The supply of about 80 per cent of total required vaccine which amounts to about 39 lakh doses would start from August 15.

Explaining about the need of immunisation of two diseases, Pradeep Haldar, the deputy commissioner, Union Health Ministry, said, "Immunisation is one of the most effective and cost-effective ways to protect children's lives and futures. Through full immunization coverage, we can make sure that the benefits of life-saving vaccines reach every child."

"The recently introduced measles-rubella vaccine, which will be provided for free in schools, during the campaign, in health facilities and at outreach session sites, is another such step to achieving our goals. The MR vaccine protects children from measles and rubella – two diseases with a high chance of preventable illness and death," Haldar said, adding that 100 per cent immunisation coverage by 2020 is the high priority for this government.

Haldar further said, "So far, the campaign has been completed in 17 states and UTs and its currently under-going in 5 states/UT (Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Haryana, Punjab, Gujarat and Jharkhand) with over 100 million children administered so far." Giving details about the state's preparedness for MR campaign, Sameer Mattoo, director (immunisation) J&K govt, said, "The first phase will run for a month. It will be totally committed to schools where we will be covering 80 per cent of the child population enrolled there. The remaining 20 per cent will be covered through outreach sessions."