State Task Force (STF) meeting on Universal Immunization Program (UIP) was held on November 13 at the Directorate of Health & Family Welfare IDSP Hall.
According to a DIPR report, principal director of Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Ritu Thur, emphasized on the department’s commitment to grassroots-level immunization efforts. He highlighted the goal of achieving measles and rubella elimination in the country by December 2023.
Acknowledging the H&FW department as the backbone, Dr. Thur appealed to sister departments to mobilize through various platforms. He also mentioned the monthly village outreach health and nutrition days organized by the Health & Family Welfare department in areas lacking health units.
Dr. Thur acknowledged previous challenges in immunization performance but noted recent improvement, crediting collaboration with partner departments. He urged other stakeholders, community leaders, and sister departments to actively participate in medical department activities, particularly in enhancing immunization efforts. Stressing that the government provides vaccines, he called upon departments like social welfare and education to collaborate in achieving the shared goal.
During the State Task Force meeting, additional secretary of Health & Family Welfare for Nagaland, S. Tainu, expressed gratitude for the initiative and support received from partner departments in the immunization program. Tainu urged partner departments to increase awareness and collaborate in practical service delivery, emphasizing the need for a joint venture to reach people in different districts and villages.
The meeting also discussed some of the objectives of the Universal Immunization Program (UIP), with participation from Dr. E. Motsuthung Patton (MD, NHM) and Dr. Imkongtemsu Longchar (SIO, UIP).