Convergence meeting stresses on routine immunisation in Zunheboto

DIMAPUR — Under MOMENTUM Routine Immunisation Transformation and Equity Project, the Indian Social Responsibility Network (ISRN), in collaboration with the CMO office of Zunheboto, conducted two events at Sumi Kukami Hoho building.

The events included a meeting with faith-based organisations and inter-departmental convergence meeting on October 5 and the 6th, respectively, an update stated.

The meetings witnessed active participation from various faith-based organisations, representing diverse religious denominations, as well as prominent civil society leaders, town officials, and key departments including district Education officials.

The primary objectives of the meetings were to engage prominent stakeholders in supporting routine immunisation programme within the district, spreading awareness on the vital importance of routine immunisation, dispelling myths and addressing misconceptions surrounding vaccines.

Dr. Heto Swu, district programme officer (UIP/RCH) and ISRN team facilitated the programme.

61 leaders and allied departmental officials attended the two-day programme.

Dr. Rahul Sharma, team lead at ISRN, provided a concise overview of the ISRN and the MOMENTUM Routine Immunisation Transformation and Equity Project, outlining their impactful activities.

Dr. Heto Swu presented a comprehensive overview of the Universal Immunisation Programme and also highlighted immunisation coverage statistics at the national, state, and district levels.

He stressed on the need for urgent action as the immunisation coverage in the district remains suboptimal. He called upon prominent stakeholders, particularly church leaders, to promote routine immunisation programme as the vaccines are safe and efficien,t and urged them to collaborate in these efforts to save lives.

Additionally, Swu emphasised on IMI 5.0, focusing on reaching out to left out and dropped out children and pregnant mothers and the goal of eliminating MR by 2023.

Martha Dukru, state coordinator at ISRN, shared about the challenges of routine immunisation. Drawing from the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, she emphasised on the positive outcomes resulting from the engagement and support of church leaders and stakeholders. Dukru said the same can be replicated in routine immunisation programme.

The programme culminated with group discussions, providing a platform for participants to seek clarifications and share ideas. It was a constructive step toward ensuring equitable access to routine immunisation and creating a healthier, more resilient community, the update stated.

During the programme four nurses from four health units were also felicitated for their outstanding performance in carrying out their duties and beyond. Jonah Domeh the district coordinator, Zunheboto district, chaired the programme.

The MOMENTUM Routine Immunization Transformation and Equity project is part of a suite of innovative awards funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to holistically improve family planning and maternal and child health in partner countries around the world.

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