The Longleng District Task Force on Immunization (DTFI) meeting took place on 6 December at DC’s Conference Hall, Longleng.

It was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner & Chairman (DTFI), Longleng, Dharam Raj, IAS.

The DC emphasised that all departments and NGOs should take up the task and coordinate as a team to eliminate Measles and Rubella from the district. He also said the district should aim to achieve more than 95% MRCV-2 coverage and full immunization coverage (FIC) as a whole.

Dr Imnameren Phom highlighted the importance of Measles and Rubella elimination. He appreciated the stakeholders for the cooperation during the last MR campaign and requested the members to further cooperate with the team to conduct the elimination programme and sustain it in the district.

Dr Mhechekhro Mero, RRT, gave a presentation on the immunization status of Longleng district, MR elimination criteria VPD surveillance, national strategies adopted for MR elimination, timelines and expectations from the district for achieving the Measles and Rubella elimination goal by December 2023.

CMO Dr Kibangkumb emphasised that Longleng, being a comparatively small district, can achieve the target if all the stakeholders work hand in hand and put effort. He further asked the Phomla Hoichem, church secretaries and the church to disseminate the importance of immunization to mothers.

He also said the backbone of the elimination programme are the medical department, education department and social welfare department. He urged schools to collect the data on the immunization status of the children so that more awareness programmes can be conducted.

The house decided to have the next seating and make the action plan in January 2023 after the data from the respective blocks and health units are collected and complied. Local strategies and action plan will further be intensified in the low performing areas.