Early Times Report
Reasi, June 1: A meeting of the District Task Force (DTF) was held today at the DC Office in Reasi, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Babila Rakwal, to strengthen the Measles-Rubella elimination campaign in the district.
The Deputy Commissioner emphasized the need for control measures, including Routine Immunization, as positive cases of Measles-Rubella continue to emerge in District Reasi. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, has set a deadline of December 2023 for Measles-Rubella elimination.
Officials were directed to remain vigilant and ensure the Non-Measles Non-Rubella (NMNR) rate aligns with the MR elimination protocol. All blocks were instructed to conduct a headcount survey of children aged 0-5 years in affected areas, actively searching for any suspected cases of fever and rash. If found, such cases should be isolated to prevent the spread.
The district has sufficient healthcare infrastructure to manage the universal immunization program and surveillance activities. Health functionaries were urged to take all necessary measures and give focused attention to achieving Measles-Rubella elimination in the district.
Schools and community centers will be thoroughly examined for fever and rash, and community members will be sensitized. Children between 9 months and 5 years of age should receive an additional dose of the MR vaccine along with 2 doses of Vitamin A, with a 24-hour interval between doses.
Efforts should concentrate on high-risk areas to ensure that no child in the age group of 9 months to 5 years is left out or becomes a dropout. A toll-free number should be established for all blocks and made available to the public, and an Epidemic Response Team (ERT) should be formed.
The meeting was attended by Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ravinder Singh Manhas, Medical Superintendent District Hospital Dr. Rajinder Kumar, Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. M Y Khan, District Immunization Officer, Block Medical Officers, District ASHA Coordinator, representatives from the Education Department and Social Welfare/ICDS Department, as well as the staff of the CMO/DyCMO Office Reasi. |
