Jammu (NVI): The Health Department of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has been placed in the third position in the country in full immunization coverage with 96 percent after Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
During 2019–2020, the Directorate of Family Welfare, MCH & Immunization Department has vaccinated 2,17,984 children (0-1 year age) out of the total target of 2,27,474, an official statement said.
The left out children would now be covered under the Intensified Mission Indradhanush 2.0 (IMI), for which Baramulla and Kupwara districts have been chosen by the department.
Through this programme, the Centre aims to reach each and every child up to two years of age and all pregnant women who have been left uncovered (left outs and drop outs) under the routine immunization programme.
In 2018-19, the Directorate had launched and successfully completed the vaccination campaign against measles and Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS), responsible for irreversible birth defects.
During the Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign, around 38 lakh children from the age group of 9 months to 15 years were vaccinated in record two and half month with 100 per cent achievement.
Mission Indradhanush, Gram Swaraj Mission Indradhanush, Mission Indradhanush for aspiration districts Baramulla and Kupwara were also held with 100 per cent achievement.
TD (Tetanus-Diphtheria) was introduced throughout the J&K in 2018-19 and is now part of UT’s UIP schedule.
Besides, Rota Virus Vaccine was also introduced by Directorate of Family Welfare, MCH & Immunization Department this year which will help to avert 40 per cent deaths due to diarrheal diseases. The Rota Virus Vaccination programme will cover over two lakh and twenty thousand children annually.
Under a new initiative by the Directorate of Family Welfare, MCH & Immunization Department, around 40,000 Government employees of health department will be vaccinated with Hepatitis B Vaccine which will be given free of cost.
The Health department has signed an MOU with United Nations Development Programme-India (UNDP) to introduce very unique software called e-VIN in the Union Territory of J&K. The Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network- eVIN is an innovative technological solution aimed at strengthening immunization supply chain systems.
