SENAPATI: In a swift and decisive move to curb a burgeoning measles outbreak, the Senapati District Administration convened a crucial multi-stakeholder meeting on July 31. The gathering, held at the DRDA Conference Hall, brought together a diverse group of key players to formulate a coordinated response to control the spread of the highly contagious viral illness and tackle the deep-rooted issue of vaccine hesitancy plaguing the region.
The alarm was sounded after 54 suspected cases were reported between June and July. Of these, 11 have been officially confirmed, six tested negative, and a further 18 results are still awaited. The outbreak has been localized to specific clusters, with the Council River Colony, Phyamai Vabuh; TNK Gate, Yapao Colony, and the DV School area; and the road to Emesiiphro, Mt. Everest area, being the hotspots.
A significant cause for concern is the stark immunization gap identified in a rapid survey. A staggering 10 out of the 11 confirmed cases had not received even a single dose of the measles vaccine. The survey further revealed alarming statistics in the Mt. Everest area, where 28 per cent of children were unvaccinated and 57 per cent were only partially immunized. Yapao Colony and Old Monday Market also reported substantial numbers of children who were not fully vaccinated.
In a united front, key partners from the Health Department, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), schools, civil society organizations, churches, and religious leaders pledged their support. The Health Department will spearhead a mass vaccination drive for children aged 9 months to 5 years, along with investigation, treatment, and distribution of Vitamin A. Schools and ICDS have been tasked with surveillance, reporting, and community mobilization. Crucially, religious leaders and civil society organizations will play a pivotal role in promoting vaccination, dispelling myths, and providing support to affected families. The district administration has appealed to all stakeholders and citizens to join hands in this crucial public health campaign, stressing the need for collective action to prevent further casualties from a disease that has proven deadly in other parts of the country.
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