The Indian Social Responsibility Network (ISRN), in collaboration with the Community Health Centre (CHC) Bhandari, organized an Inter-Departmental Convergence Meeting for Vaccination at the Bhandari Town Hall on 11th September 2023, DIPR informed. The program was chaired by Stephen K. Kithan, an ORW representative from ISRN.
Stephen K. Kithan highlighted that ISRN, in partnership with the state government, is currently executing the “MOMENTUM” Routine Immunization Transformation & Equity (MRITE) Program, supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), in Nagaland. The aim of this program is to bolster the Government’s efforts in the Covid-19 vaccination drive by ensuring vaccine accessibility to all communities across every district of Nagaland.
Dr Caroline, a Senior Medical Officer from CHC Bhandari and a resource person, delivered insights on the Universal Immunization Program, elaborating on the twelve vaccines available to combat various diseases and emphasizing every child’s right to a healthy life.
She mentioned that despite the challenges faced, the vaccination process in the Bhandari sub-division has shown improvement, however, there is still work to be done. Dr Caroline stressed the importance of community participation in seeking and delivering a seamless healthcare system and appealed to leaders from civil society organizations, churches, and public figures to adopt a coordinated approach to ensure healthcare programs reach all stakeholders without compromise.
T.Y. Peter Yanthan, CDPO Bhandari, discussed the government’s initiatives in providing livelihood assistance to the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and pregnant or lactating mothers. He also shed light on the medical and healthcare facilities available for mothers and children in the region.
Other notable speakers at the program included Principal of DBHSS, Rev. Fr. Matthew Rhanben, Pastor of BTBC, Rev. N. Longshi Lotha, Pastor of 7NAP, Rev. K. Renphamo Odyuo, President of Eloe Hoho Bhandari, Mhonyani Mozhui, and President of BTSU, Longshithung Mozhui.
