MALAPPURAM: Malappuram lags behind all other districts in the state in the ongoing state-wide measles-rubella vaccination programme, according to the latest data. The district health department could cover only 38 per cent of the total target during the campaign launched on October 3 while the other districts have covered more than 50 per cent. However, according to top district health officials, the public have accepted the campaign compared to other immunisation initiatives which were facing strong resistance from various pockets. Significantly, the MR vaccination awareness campaign will have a long-term positive impact on the routine vaccinations in the district.
Going by the response from the parents in general, those who once resisted the routine vaccinations have started taking it after consulting health workers and doctors. “This is the great achievement we have made during the aggressive awareness campaign prior to the launch of the MR vaccination drive, says District Medical Officer Dr K. Sakeena. “We could create a communication channel by roping in health experts, physicians, teachers and social workers, through which we interacted directly with the public. Many have changed their attitude towards the immunisation programmes. Lack of proper health education is the key issue here. The people are ready to accept if we convince them with the help of experts,” she said.
Reproductive Child Health officer and Deputy DMO, Dr R. Renuka, also expressed the same opinion. “Reports from the ground say that many mothers have started seeking assistants to vaccinate their wards who missed some of the routine vaccinations. The MR campaign has helped change the approach of the public,” she said. According to the health officials, the lack of adequate manpower and huge target population are the key reasons affecting MR campaign. “The campaign is still going on aggressively in the district. Of the 13 lakh children targeted, 4,73,718 weer covered,” Dr Sakeena said.
