Nagaland Department of Health & Family Welfare, in partnership with the MOMENTUM Routine Immunization Transformation and Equity Project, successfully conducted a Media Conference on Intensified Mission Indradhanush 5.0 (IMI 5.0). The conference was graced by the esteemed presence of Dr Imkongtemsu, State Immunization Officer and Anumegha Bhatnagar, Risk Communications Lead, MOMENTUM Routine Immunization Transformation and Equity project.
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During the conference, the importance of vaccinating eligible children and strengthening immunity in the face of existing challenges was emphasized. The event witnessed active participation from prominent media representatives, health officials, and community stakeholders, all coming together in their endeavours to support the success of Intensified Mission Indradhanush 5.0.
IMI 5.0 aims to overcome barriers that have hindered vaccination coverage by focusing on populations that have been left out of Routine Immunization efforts. The state has conducted comprehensive training at various levels to emphasize the importance of reaching those who have not been vaccinated or are only partially vaccinated and incorporating them into the immunization program. The initiative prioritizes children aged 0 to 5 years who have not received any vaccines, with the ultimate goal of providing life-saving vaccinations to all eligible children. Additionally, it represents a significant step towards nationwide Measles & Rubella elimination, ensuring that every child under 5 years completes the crucial two-dose schedule of Measles and Rubella Containing Vaccine (MRCV).
Dr Imkongtemsu, State Immunization Officer
Dr Imkongtemsu, State Immunization Officer emphasized the pivotal role of the media in IMI 5.0, “The media professionals play a critical role in effectively conveying the importance of vaccination, which leads to increased community engagement and significantly enhances vaccine acceptance and coverage. By raising awareness and dispelling myths, journalists make a media personnel contribution to the success of this life-saving initiative. We firmly believe that addressing vaccination barriers and adopting a targeted approach can make a substantial difference in protecting the health and well-being of our children and pregnant women.’’
Anumegha Bhatnagar, Risk Communications Lead, MOMENTUM Routine Immunization Transformation and Equity project
About MOMENTUM Routine Immunization Transformation and Equity Project
MOMENTUM Routine Immunization Transformation and Equity Project, supported by USAID, has mandated John Snow Research & Training Institute (JSI) to provide technical assistance to National and State Governments to ramp up COVID-19 Vaccination in India. John Snow India Pvt Ltd, an affiliate of JSI US is working in close collaboration with the Government of India to strengthen their outreach and delivery efforts with communities for vaccination; and through partnerships with local NGOs to increase demand, distribution and uptake of COVID-19 vaccination, particularly for vulnerable and marginalized populations across selected 18 states/UTs of India.
