State Health and Family Welfare (H&FW) department under the directive of Ministry of H&WF government of India has launched Rotavirus Vaccine (RVV) on Friday across the state.
In Kohima, managing director Naga hospital authority Kohima (NHAK) Dr. Thorhusie Katiry launched the vaccine by administrating the first dose of RVV to the children at NHAK.
In his address, Dr. Thorhusie quoted data which recorded that Rotavirus was responsible for nearly 40% of moderate to severe diarrhoea in children less than 5 years. He said under five years of children, Rotavirus diarrhoea was responsible for 32, 70,000 out-patient visits, 8, 72,000 hospitalizations and 78,000 deaths annually.
He said the introduction of rotavirus vaccine under national immunization programme would ensure that the vaccine was available in government run immunization programme of the country which was earlier available in private market to only those who could afford it.
Dr. Thorhusie said RVV was the only specific protection against Rotavirus diarrhoea and that the vaccine would be introduced along with the routine immunization programme. He said children would be given 5 drops of the vaccine orally at 6, 10 and 14 weeks along with Penta-1, 2 & 3 vaccine. Like the other routine immunization vaccines, he said RVV would be provided free of cost.
(Correspondent)
Dimapur: Dimapur District launched RVV as part of routine immunization schedule under universal immunization programme in the district. The first five-drops of RVV were administered by deputy Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dimapur, Dr. Antoly Suu.
During the brief launching programme, Dr. Antoly Suu, stated that rotavirus diarrhoea was one of the leading causes of death among children below five years.
She said RVV would protect a child from diarrhoea caused by rotavirus and asked beneficiaries to avail the same free of cost from all government health units.
Kiphire: RVV was launched across Aspirational district Kiphire by DPO (RCH & UIP), Dr. K. Pewezo Khalo by administrating the first five drops to children at District Hospital Kiphire.
In his speech, Dr. Khalo underscored the importance of RVV and its impact on prevention of diarrhoeal diseases especially to children under five years of age.
He also stressed on the importance of vaccination to children and appealed to the public that all eligible children be brought to the nearest Government Hospital and avail vaccines on time.
Wokha: RVV was launched in Wokha district by Deputy Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Zuben Kikon by administrating the first five drops to children at Dr. Motsuo Memorial Hospital.
During the launching programme, Dr. Kikon said that diarrhoea is the leading cause of death among infants in India. He urged the beneficiaries to avail the vaccine which is given to infants at 6, 10 and 14 weeks.
Peren: RVV was launched across Peren district by ADC Jalukie, Tinu Jongshi who administered the first five drops to a baby boy at District Vaccine Store (DVS) Peren. At the programme, DPO UIP/RCH, Dr. Nukshisangla Jamir highlighted about the RVV. He said the vaccine used to protect against rotavirus infections which is the leading cause of severe diarrhoea among children under 5 years of age. The programme was also attended by DPO NVBDCP, Dr. Kevi Meyase and SMO CHC Jalukie, Dr Yetovi Tuccu, staffs of CHC and DVS Peren.
Phek: A short programme was held at District Hospital Phek marking the launching of RVV across the district.
At the programme, district immunization, Dr. Kolhitso Khalo, said Rotavirus was responsible for 40% of diarrhoea in children under five years of age accounting to 78000 deaths in India annually.
The first five drops of RVV was administered by Sr. Paediatrician, Dr. Wetshelo. The programme was attended by immunization staffs, doctors and nurses of District hospital.
Tuensang: RVV was launched across Tuensang district by Deputy Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. I.Temsu Longchar, who administered the first five drops of RVV to a baby at Urban Health Centre (UHC). The programme was attended by of DIO (UIP & RCH) Dr. Thungchanpeni, UHC staffs, DPMU staffs, UIP staffs, parents and others.
Mokokchung: RVV was launched across Mokokchung district by deputy CMO, Dr. Kibangkumba administrating the first five drops to children at IMDH, Mokokchung.
Mon: Launching programme was held at Conference Hall of CMO Office, Mon, where DC Mon, Thavaseelan K called for combined effort to reach out to the targeted beneficiaries. He also asked the department to ensure that no child is left out during the RVV Vaccination Campaign.
Dr. Shasinle Tep DPO (UIP & RCH) Mon, while introducing the RVV Vaccine, stated that the vaccine was used to protect against rotavirus infections which is a leading cause of severe diarrhoea among young children. The vaccine can be given to age children from 6 weeks to 1 year of age.
Longleng: In Longleng, the launching programme was organised by District Health Society Longleng at District Hospital in the presence of DC John Tsulise Sangtam as special guest.
Dr. Imnameren Phom DPO (RCH/UIP) in his keynote address gave a brief highlight about the Rotavirus vaccine, facts and figures and the number of related rotavirus hospitalization and deaths.
DC Tsulise in his short speech encouraged everyone to eliminate misconceptions and rumours so that there will be no confusion and the beneficiaries will be aware of what vaccine their child is given. CDPO Longleng, Tauhong Phom extended help and support from the department.
After the short programme DC and CDPO administered Rotavirus vaccine to the first beneficiaries.