Administrator Inaugurate Measles Rubella Campaign in Chandigarh

By Tricitynews Reporter

Chandigarh 03^rd August:- Inauguration of  Measles Rubella Campaign in UT Chandigarh was done by His Excellency V.P. Singh Badnore, Governor of Punjab & Administrator Chandigarh in Tagore Theatre, Sector 18, Chandigarh with the august presence of  Parimal Rai, Adviser to the Administrator, UT Chandigarh, Asha Kumari Jaswal, Mayor Chandigarh, Anurag Agarwal, Health cum Home Secretary, Chandigarh Administration, B.L. Sharma, Secretary School Education & Social Welfare Rubinderjit Singh Brar, Director School Education and Dr. Rakesh K. Kashyap, Director Health & Family Welfare cum Mission Director, National Health Mission, Chandigarh were also present on the occasion.  

His Excellency V.P. Singh Badnore, Governor of Punjab & Administrator, Union Territory Chandigarh highlighted the role and importance of MR Vaccine in elimination of Measles and control of Rubella. He appealed to all the children to take the MR vaccine and pass this message to their friends and neighbours as well.

Dr. Rakesh K. Kashyap, Director Health & Family Welfare cum Mission Director, National Health Mission, Chandigarh welcomed the Chief Guest and all the dignitaries. He emphasized on the importance of Measles Rubella vaccine and assured that the campaign will be conducted with full enthusiasm and zeal in Chandigarh and all the children from 9 months to 15 years of age will be given the benefit of MR Vaccination.

A brief presentation about Measles and Rubella was given by Dr. Shivani, SMO NPSP WHO. She also told that this campaign will be conducted in 59 planning units covering 382 schools which include both government and private and all the Aanganwadis. After the schools, outreach sessions will be conducted.

India has resolved to eliminate Measles & Control Rubella by 2020.In this regard, Govt of India, plan to cover the whole county in the phase wise strategy .First phase of this MR Campaign was held at Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Pondicherry, Goa & Lakshadweep. In the 2^nd Phase U.T Chandigarh along with Daman &Diu, Andhra Pradesh, Dadar & Nagar Haveli, Telangana, Himanchal Pradesh & Uttarakhand are to conduct the second phase of Measles Rubella Immunization campaign in the month of August as part of the national strategy to eliminate measles and control Rubella in the country.

In Chandigarh, this MR campaign will be conducted over 4-5 weeks. For first two week, vaccination will be done in schools and later in community sessions. The students took oath to take MR Vaccine in their school and also motivate their peers. There was representation from WHO, UNICEF, LIONS International and other professional organizations like IMA.

Dr. Vandana Gupta, Medical Superintendent, GMSH 16 concluded the inaugural celebration with a warm vote of thanks to the Dignitaries, Students, Media Professional, Doctors &other health staff and all other participants present over there.