Post News Network/Agencies
Koraput/Rayagada, April 7: A special immunization programme Indradhanush (rainbow) has been launched in Odisha’s tribal-dominated Koraput district under which nearly 4,000 children in the age group of 0 to 2 will be immunised.
Health officials said the programme will vaccinate children, who are either not vaccinated at all or partially vaccinated against seven diseases, symbolising Indradhanush which consists of seven colours.
“During a survey conducted by our field staff, 4,000 children were identified and they will be covered under the programme,” said Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) of Koraput, Laxmidhar Kabi.
Maybe owing to lack of awareness among parents, there has been a drop in second dose of vaccines in the district and it’s a challenge in getting the children back for the second and third dose of immunisation, health officials said. Skipping vaccination is reflected in rising number of children becoming vulnerable to childhood diseases, they added.
According to CDMO, seven diseases like pertussis (whooping cough), Hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, tuberculosis and measles could be prevented through vaccination. ‘These diseases are dangerous and have become the main cause of deaths of a large number of children. Our staff will provide vaccination to children and pregnant women for seven days from 7 to 14 of each month from April to July by visiting door to door,” the CDMO said. Mission Indradhanush was also launched in Rayagada district Tuesday. Collector Jagannath Mohanty formally launched the programme by administering polio drops to several children aged below two years at Nuan Jhodiasahi Anganwadi centre.
Collector Mohanty enquired from the health department officials about the number of children who have so far been administered polio drops and other vaccines in the district.
Mohanty also directed the chief district medical officer to take all steps to achieve the target set up by the administration to administer vaccines to pregnant women and children. He also stressed on taking measures to make the mission successful in the district.
On the first day, the vaccination programme was undertaken at five places like Nuan Jhodiasahi, Kumbhariguda, Bhakti Sahi, Gurumguda and Saipriya Nagar. It will continue till 16th of this month.
The launching programme was also attended by additional district medical officer (family welfare) Shaktibrata Mohanty, additional district medical officer B L N Prusty, assistant collector Sk Issac Madina, district project manager (NRHM) Rajeswar Pattnaik, ASHA coordinator Bilasini Parida and Gaon Kalyan Samiti coordinator Sanjukta Das.
