Nagaland among NE states with lowest vaccination figures and highest death rate

Our Correspondent
Kohima, June 17 (EMN): In an effort to get more people immunised in Kohima, a sensitisation-cum-awareness programme on Covid-19 vaccination and testing was organised by Jakhama sub-division at Bamboo Hall, Kisama on Saturday.

Tongpang Ozukum, minister in-charge of Kohima district on Covid-19, informed at the event that following a Cabinet meeting chaired by the chief minister of Nagaland, all the elected representatives have been directed to reach out to different places in the state to emphasise the importance of continuing Covid-19 testing and vaccination.

Ozukum, who is also the minister for Housing and Mechanical, expressed dissatisfaction over Nagaland being listed among the north-eastern states with lowest rate of vaccination and highest death rate.

He appealed to the citizens to be “responsible enough” in following SOPs and immunised, saying that it is the only way to fight the infection and keep oneself and others safe.

Maintaining that Kohima has good medical facilities and a vibrant district task force, he told the gathering that it would be a loss not to take advantage of the facilities being made available in the capital district. “If we are safe, we are saving others,” he said.

The minister said that Covid-19 protocols, Covid-appropriate behaviour, vaccination and sample testing were the “weapons” to fight the pandemic. “Our weapons are our SOPs; if we don’t use them, we will lose the battle,” he added.

“If we are not able to contain the second wave of Covid-19, how can we tackle the possible third wave?” he asked.

Highlighting high positive cases in Kohima, Advisor of Youth Resources and Sports Zale Neikha said it was high time to remain cautious and get vaccinated for the safety of everyone.

Medo Yhokha, Advisor for Election and Technical Education, said that the decision to introduce “Unlock – 3” in the state was taken “out of sheer necessity” and not because the pandemic was over.

Infirming that positive rate in Kohima had never come down to single digit and infections had increased to 19% after “Unlock-2” was introduced, he urged to take stringent measures with collective effort.

Stating that Covid-19 issue has become both a global and personal issue, Yhokha reminded to do away with rumours and false information on the vaccine spread through social media while advocating the benefits of taking the jab.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Vezokholu Theyo informed that total vaccination at Jakhama block (first and second doses) stands at 14,972, which is just 52.39%.

Deputy Commissioner of Kohima Gregory Thejawelie and SDO (Civil) Jakhama Ruopfukuotuo Noudi also urged the people to continue to assist the administration in enforcing Covid-appropriate behaviours while expressing hope that the sub-division would achieve higher vaccination status.

The programme was attended by representatives of Southern Angami Public Organisation (Sapo), village councils and student unions.