In a big relief to the health department worried over dismal performance of Measles Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign, the Auxiliary Nursing Midwifery (ANM) workers have suspended their agitation. After meeting with secretary health Nitesh Jha, the ANMs broke their strike and participated in the vaccination drive. The MR campaign in provisional state capital Dehradun was severely affected as the ANMs were on a total strike here. In first two weeks of the campaign less than 35 percent of targeted 513302 children were vaccinated against Measles and Rubella in Dehradun. MR vaccine is needed to be injected and it requires trained person to put the vaccine. Hampered by the strike of the about 250 ANMs in Dehradun district, the health department was struggling to complete the targeted number of vaccine.
A relieved State immunisation officer, Dr Bharati Rana told The Pioneer that with ANMs back to work the target of vaccination would be met. She said that in Haridwar district where 605632 children are earmarked for vaccination, the MR campaign would start in right earnest from Monday. The campaign in this district remained suspended due to comprehensive vaccination programme, Mission Indradhanush. The MR campaign in the state was being impeded with sluggish pace of vaccination in Dehradun and Haridwar districts. These two districts constitute almost 40 percent of targeted children in the state. In fact the pace of campaign in mountainous districts of the state is very good.
The President of the association of ANMs, Guddi Matura said that the health secretary has assured them that the issue of the Assured Career Progression (ACP) of ANMs would be taken up and resolved soon. She said that the ANMs would work with total dedication in the ongoing MR campaign.
With a target to vaccinate 2835658 children in the state against Measles Rubella (MR), a massive campaign was launched in Uttarakhand on October 30. Under the campaign children are being given a single shot of MR. After the campaign, MR vaccine will become a part of routine immunization and will replace measles vaccine, currently given at 9-12 months and 16-24 months of age of child.
Rubella commonly referred to as German measles is a mild infection, but can have serious consequences if it occurs in pregnant women. Measles is highly contagious and spreads through coughing. India accounts for 36 percent of the measles death globally. Those who survive are more vulnerable to its complications such as diarrhea and pneumonia.