India is committed to eliminate measles and control rubella/congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) by 2020. The largest ever vaccination campaign worldwide aims to cover approximately 41 crore children in the age group of 9 months to less than 15 years of age. Children will be given a single shot of Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination during the campaign. Following the campaign, MR vaccine will become a part of Routine Immunization and will replace measles vaccine, currently given to children at 9-12 months and 16-24 months.
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In a bid to maintain awareness to the people, media persons were urged to support the ongoing Measles-Rubella vaccine campaign in order to ensure that all children receive the vaccine in a meeting organized by Directorate of Health Services (Family Welfare), Govt. of Assam with support from UNICEF.
“The campaign was launched in Assam in August 2018 with a target of reaching over 95 lakh children. So far, over 50 lakh children have been reached,” said Ms. Mallika Medhi, Director, DHS (FW), Assam.
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The campaign has already been completed in 17 States and Union Territories. The first phase of measles-rubella vaccination campaign was launched in February 2017 in five states, namely, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa, Lakshadweep and Puducherry. Assam has launched the MR vaccine under phase III of the campaign. More than 11 crore children across the country have been administered the vaccine so far.
UNICEF in association with civil society organizations, partners and academia has been engaging with media as a critical stakeholder in efforts to create awareness about the MR vaccine and address myths around immunization to ensure every child in the country gets a fair start.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Pradeep Haldar, Deputy Commissioner, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said, “The MR campaign is one of the largest and most unique campaign by the Government. It is much larger than the polio campaign and aims to cover a big cohort of children from 9 months to less than15 years. The measles-rubella vaccine which will be provided for free in schools, during the campaign, in health facilities and at outreach session sites, is a step towards achieving elimination of measles and control of rubella.
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Ms. Tahseen Alam, Communication Specialist, UNICEF Assam said, "The media in Assam has been very proactive in addressing rumours and fake news during the MR campaign. We look forward to your continued support in making this campaign a success.
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