District-level training on rotavirus vaccine held in Zunheboto

Dimapur, June 28 (EMN): A three-day district-level training of trainers on rotavirus vaccine was held in the Conference hall of the District Hospital, Zunheboto from June 25 to 27th.

Rotavirus is the common cause of diarrhoeal disease among infants and young children infecting nearly every child at least once by the age of five years. To prevent this disease, a new vaccine called rotavirus vaccine will be introduced in the routine immunisation schedule for the first time by the end of July 2019, informed an update from District Media Officer, CMO Office, Zunheboto.

Nagaland will be the 12th in the country and the 3rd in the Northeast to introduce rotavirus vaccine.

Dr. C. W Tungoe, CMO, Zunheboto in his welcome address encouraged the participants to work sincerely in order to achieve the required targets. He also spoke on the importance of the vaccine and advised the health workers to properly implement in their respective health units.

On the first day of the training, the trainees were oriented on UIP and its achievements; and RVV and its impact. The participants were also oriented on the prevention and management of Diarrhoea, dosage, schedule and mode of administration of RVV, cold-chain and vaccine management, AEFI surveillance and management, and communication and social mobilisation.

On the second day, the trainees were oriented on safe injection and waste disposal, and how to strengthen the Routine Immunisation (RI). The trainees were then re-oriented on developing a comprehensive RI Micro Plan through step-wise approach. They were also asked to develop robust Routine Immunisation Micro Plan based on sample survey provided to them to review their learning outcome, informed the update.

On the third and final day, the trainees and ANMs were briefed on handbook for Routine Immunisation strengthening and Rota Virus Vaccine, survey, and micro planning. Pre and post test was also conducted for all categories of health workers.

The resource persons for the training were Dr. Alemwabang Aier, DPO (UIP&RCH); Dr. J. Hokugha Sema; Dr. Khriekolie Leizhietsü; and Imli Longkumer, Project Officer, UNDP. It was attended by Dr. K. Akaho Sema, Dy.CM; Dr. G.Viholi Sema, DTO; medical officers; ANMs; BPMs; ASHA co-ordinators; IDSP; SHP; health workers; and IEC Bureau.