Khonsa, Aug 27: With a renewed sense of urgency following a recent measles alert, Tirap district on Tuesday brought together health officials, administrators and field workers under one roof to chart a stronger, more coordinated response to immunization challenges.

 

The District Task Force on Immunization (DTFI) meeting, held at the Mini Secretariat in Khonsa, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Badonlum Tawsik focused not just on data and targets, but on the real risks faced by communities with low vaccination coverage.

 

Opening the session, District Medical Officer Dr. Bimal Ratan struck a candid note. Welcoming participants, he acknowledged gaps in immunization levels stressed that all stakeholders, including doctors, nursing and medical staff, must take full responsibility to ensure every child is vaccinated, warning that strict action would be taken against any lapse in duty.

 

Adding context to the discussion, DRCHO Dr. J. Thingnok presented a detailed health profile of the district, highlighting both progress and pressing concerns. She addressed the ongoing measles outbreak and pointed to persistent misconceptions around vaccination as a key hurdle. Stressing the importance of grassroots accuracy, she urged timely reporting and strict data verification by ASHA facilitators, noting that “reliable data is the backbone of effective response.”

 

Broadening the scope, District Surveillance Officer Dr. K. Socia spoke on ongoing initiatives under the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) programme and the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP). He reminded attendees of legal safeguards under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), particularly the prohibition of tobacco sales within 100 yards of educational institutions, calling for stricter enforcement at the local level.

 

A critical perspective came from Dr. Bala Ganesa Kumar S.R., Regional Surveillance Medical Officer from WHO, who traced the timeline of the measles alert. The outbreak was flagged on August 17, followed by rapid field verification and the formation of an Immediate Response Team. However, he cautioned that low vaccination coverage leaves the district vulnerable. Drawing parallels with last year’s outbreak in Longding, he underscored the need for micro-planning and intensified immunization drives to prevent further spread.

Chairing the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner steered the discussion towards actionable outcomes. He reiterated that the immediate priority is to significantly raise measles vaccination coverage. Emphasizing that effective health service delivery depends on seamless coordination, he assured full support from the district administration. “This is a shared challenge, and it will require a united, sustained effort from all of us,” he said, calling for closer collaboration between health institutions and administrative machinery.

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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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