NAHARLAGUN, Jul 28:With an objective to enhance the understanding on the need for Routine Immunization and to create vaccine confidence among communities, a one day State level Media Advocacy cum Sensitization workshop for religious leader was conducted at Naharlagun today.

Speaking on the occasion, Kaling Tayeng said religious leaders can play a critical role in influencing community people and can drastically change the status of RI.

Appealing for continuous support of the religious leaders, Tayeng pointed out that evidence based communication strategies to increase knowledge, behaviour norms at individual, community and societal level are essential to eliminate the barriers.

While talking about the Measles outbreak at Longding District, Tayeng informed it happens because older people refuse vaccination out of fear and misconception and stated that health department is working hard to contain any such outbreak and to improve the status of immunization in the state.

Mission Director, PN Thungon said that religious leaders can play an effective role in addressing the issue by disseminating information in most effective way and sought full support in improving immunization coverage.

Nodal officer Dr D Padung while briefing about the immunization status in the state informed that Changlang with 79.5 % is the best performer in the state.

However he added we need to work hard to achieved  the  vision set  by our   Prime  Minister  of  achieving  90% immunization  by 2018 and plug the gap to improve immunization.

Resources person Dr. Tage Taka, SMO (WHO), through a PPT Presentation on Routine immunization said due  to many factors and  fear psychosis of AEFI (Adverse event following immunization), there is a huge gap in immunization.

He informed that due to misconception many parents deny immunization which can lead to complicacy and death. Resource person UNICEF Consultant Bijoy Dungdung gave presentation on social behaviour change communication strategy. 

During the meet, religious leader from all sections actively participated and shared their views and suggestion.

 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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