Low COVID vaccination coverage in Nagaland

State Level- Multi stakeholder meeting focuses on improving coverage

Our Correspondent
Kohima | July 30

Nagaland registered low COVID-19 vaccination coverage with 67% under the category of 18 + as on 1:30 am, July 30.

In this category of vaccination, a total of 8, 35, 581 persons received the first dose registering 67% coverage while 6, 78, 869 received 2nd dose (54%).

Updating the present status of COVID vaccination in Nagaland, State Immunization Officer (SIO) Dr Ritu Thurr said that vaccination is the only solution, as of now, to bring a stop to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking at the State Level- Multi stakeholder meeting on MOMENTUM-Routine Immunization Transformation and Equity (M-RITE) project, John Snow India (JSI) here at Crescent International Hotel, Dr Thurr disclosed that under vaccination coverage for 15-17 years, 71, 541 received first dose (50.38%) while 45, 967 took the 2nd dose (32.37%).

For 12- 14 years, Nagaland registered a coverage of 23, 428 (25%) for 1st dose and 2nd dose at 17, 376 (19%).

Under Amrit Mahotsav coverage, a total of 9,503 have been covered through 417 camps conducted from July 15 to 29.
Dr Thurr said that there are many reasons for not achieving the desired level in the state.

We have a very poor performance in administering the 2nd dose, he said, while calling on “whoever is due,” to come forwards and receive the 2nd dose.

“COVID pandemic is not yet over”
Further, Dr Thurr emphasised that COVID vaccination and COVID war is not yet over, adding that daily positive case is increasing in the state.

Till date, there is no substitute for vaccination; he said adding that COVID vaccination reduces morbidity and mortality.

Stating that Nagaland still has the lowest COVID vaccination coverage in the country, he sought the support of NGOs to improve the status. Other states have already achieved 80% and above but Nagaland is still struggling with 67%, he said. “Before we celebrate Christmas, let us achieve 85% so that we can proudly move around,” he said.

Once we get vaccination, we will be free from infection; he said and reminded the people to understand the importance of vaccination to protect themselves and the community.

Taking vaccines to the community
Talking on amplifying the Government’s COVID–19 Vaccination programme in the states of Meghalaya and Nagaland, Team Leader M-RITE, ISRN, Dr Richa Sharma informed that a total of 16.72 lakh doses were administered in Nagaland including 40, 804 children between 12-14 years by July 29, 2022.

She informed that with the start of vaccination for the new 12-14 years and 15-17 years age cohort, ISRN in both the states of Meghalaya and Nagaland are focusing on the 12-18 age group target populations with the involvement of state education and district education departments, adding that extension of the same strategy would be backed by existing coalition with state department and officials in other districts.

Dr Sharma said that ISRN’s states presence will also help in approaching 18+ years population.

She said that the goal of ISRN towards M-RITE project is to support and amplify government’s efforts in successfully vaccinating the eligible populations in selected districts of Meghalaya and Nagaland.

It aims to support state and district health departments in micro planning and rapidly increasing vaccination programmes to  achieve maximum coverage, and to vaccinate all targeted eligible unvaccinated beneficiaries in the allotted districts in the intervention areas. Along with this, it aims to stimulate demand generation and community mobilization activities for COVID 19 vaccination uptake and to ensure equitable distribution and focus on the last-mile reach for 12+ years population, including high priority groups and left out targeted population.

This state level- Multi stakeholder meeting was organized by Indian Social Responsibility Network (ISRN) in collaboration with Department of Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland under the theme ‘To amplify the Government’s COVID–19 Vaccination by M-RITE Project.’

ISRN is a national level NGO, working in the field of COVID-19 vaccination programmes.

The US agency for International Development (USAID) supported M-RITE and has partnered with ISRN to expedite the vaccinations.

Earlier, the keynote address was delivered by Egum Nsarangbe, SPM, JSI while Martha Dukru, state coordinator for ISRN initiated the group discussion.

The programme was chaired by Roseline, Communication Officer, JSI while vote of thanks was proposed by Kawang Lowang, M&E, JSI.