Meeting with faith-based organizations and inter-departmental convergence meeting was held on October 5 and 6 respectively in Zunheboto.
Zunheboto, October 6 (MExN): Under MOMENTUM Routine Immunization Transformation and Equity Project, the Indian Social Responsibility Network (ISRN) in collaboration with CMO office of Zunheboto district conducted meeting with faith-based organizations and inter-departmental convergence meeting on October 5 and 6 respectively.
Both the events were held at Sumi Kukami Hoho building, Zunheboto, stated a press release issued by media officer, CMO office Zunheboto. A total of 61 leaders and allied departmental officials attended the programmes.
The primary objectives were to engage prominent stakeholders in supporting Routine Immunization programme within the district and spreading awareness on the vital importance of Routine Immunization, dispelling myths, and addressing misconceptions surrounding vaccines. The meetings witnessed active participation from various faith-based organizations, representing diverse religious denominations, as well as prominent civil society leaders, town officials, and key departments, including district education officials, the release stated.
Dr Heto Swu, District Programme Officer (UIP/RCH) and ISRN Team facilitated the programme. Dr Rahul Sharma, Team Lead at ISRN, provided a concise overview of ISRN and the MOMENTUM Routine Immunization Transformation and Equity Project, outlining their impactful activities.
Dr Heto Swu presented a comprehensive overview of the Universal Immunization Program. He highlighted immunization coverage statistics at the National, State, and District levels. He stressed on the need for urgent action as the immunization coverage in the district remains suboptimal.
He called upon prominent stakeholders, particularly Church leaders, to promote Routine Immunization programme as the vaccines are safe and efficient and urged them to collaborate in these efforts to save lives. Additionally, he discussed 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 Immunization. Drawing from the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, she emphasised the positive outcomes resulting from the engagement and support of Church leaders and stakeholder and the same can be replicate in Routine Immunization 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 Immunization and creating a healthier, more resilient community, it added.
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, District Coordinator, Zunheboto District chaired the programme.
