Effective Cooperation of Departments Vital for Measles and Rubella Eradication: Krishnamurthy HK
Mangaluru, June 03, 2023: In a determined call for action, Additional Deputy Commissioner Krishnamurthy HK emphasized the indispensable need for collaboration among key departments, including women and child welfare and education, to eradicate measles and rubella in the district. Private hospitals were urged to join forces in this critical mission.
Speaking after chairing a steering committee meeting of the Measles and Rubella Eradication and Vaccination Task Force at the Deputy Commissioner’s office auditorium, Krishnamurthy underlined the importance of eliminating measles and rubella, following the successful eradication of polio. He stressed that designated responsibilities and measures should be diligently carried out by the concerned departments. While the number of cases has been declining annually, surveys should be conducted to enhance effectiveness, he added.
The Additional DC emphasized the need to raise awareness among pregnant women about the detrimental effects of measles and rubella. He emphasized the importance of disseminating mandatory information in both government and private hospitals, assuring the district administration’s full support in the eradication efforts.
The vaccination drive, targeted at 9 and 16-month-old children, must achieve 100% coverage without any eligible beneficiaries being left behind, stressed Krishnamurthy. To ensure this, the labor department should identify locations with a high concentration of workers and collaborate with the health department to organize vaccination camps. Additionally, community-based vaccination initiatives would prove beneficial. The Department of Public Instruction’s role in eradicating measles and rubella was emphasized as paramount and deserving of attention.
The meeting saw the presence of Zilla Panchayat Deputy Secretary Anand Kumar, District Urban Development Cell Project Director Abid Gadiyal, DMO Dr. Nalin Kulal, DLO Dr. Sudarshan, and other officials. District Health and Family Welfare Officer Kishore Kumar extended a warm welcome to the attendees.
Representatives from district and taluk level health offices, doctors from private and government hospitals, DPOs, officials from the social welfare department, Mangaluru City Corporation, education department, and labor department actively participated in the meeting, signifying a collective effort in the battle against measles and rubella.
