Dr Sheila Longkumer conducting a session during the district level orientation programme on PCV at CMO Conference hall Wokha on May 6. (Photo Courtesy: CMO office Wokha)
WOKHA, MAY 6 (MExN): A one day district level orientation programme on Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) was held at CMO Conference hall Wokha with Dr Shiela Longkumer, WHO State Consultant as the resource person on May 6.
While delivering the welcome address, Dr C W Tungoe, Chief Medical Officer Wokha urged the medical officers and Block Programme Managers to focus on the training and later impart the information at the block levels. He also extended appreciation to Dr Shiela for conducting the orientation programme.
Dr Shiela Longkumer informed that PCV will be rolled out in the State soon and the orientation programme was to prepare the health workers for the immunization process.
She mentioned that Pneumonia is one of the leading causes of deaths among children below the age of five years in the country. PCV has 80 percent efficacy and it has been introduced in 146 countries across the globe in their national immunization programmes, she said.
Dr Sheila explained the intervals in the doses of PCV and also reminded the health workers to handle Adverse Event Following Immunization (AEFI) cases effectively. AEFI cases are rare in PCV but if any severe cases occur it should be reported, she added.
She further encouraged the health workers to deliver the four key messages and also involve ASHAs during the immunization process. Sessions on vaccine management, record keeping, formation of district AEFI committee, and communication strategy were taken during the one day training. The district level training programme was attended by District Programme Manager, Medical Officers, Block Programme Managers and Vaccinators.
