State Level Workshop for introduction of Rotavirus Vaccine was organized at Banquet Hall, here
Financial Commissioner, Health and Medical Education,AtalDulloo was the chief guest on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Financial Commissioner saidIndia’s decision to introduce the rotavirus vaccines as part of its routineprogram marks an immensely important step for the health and wellbeing of thecountry’s children. He said that Rotavirus kills approximately 453000 childrenof less than five years of age globally every year and is a major threat to thehealth of children across the WHO South-East Asia Region. “Every year,approximately 127 000 children aged less than five years die of the disease inthe SEA Region, around 98000 of whom are in India,” he said.
The workshop was attended by Dr. Arun Sharma Director FamilyWelfare, MCH and Immunization J&K, Bhupinder Kumar MD NHM J&K , DrKunzes DolmaDirector Health Services Kashmir, Head of the Department Paediatrics GMCSrinagar, Dr. Muzaffar Jan, Head of Department Social & Preventive MedicineGMC Srinagar , Dr. Mohammad Saleem Khan and other officers.
The workshop was also attended by HOD and Faculty membersfrom GMC associated Hospitals of Kashmir Division, Chief Medical Officers,Deputy Chief Medical Officers, District Immunization Officers, District MassMedia and Education Officers and other officials of the department.
DrArun Sharma Director Family Welfare, MCH and ImmunizationJ&K while speaking on the occasion said a series of trainings will beconducted in all districts and blocks and every field level worker will betrained for Rota vaccine introduction before the launch. State ImmunizationOfficer, J&K Dr. QaziHaroon said that there is a need for Socialmobilization, Advocacy and robust IEC for making any campaign or new vaccinelaunch successful. He informed that the State is receiving one lakh doses ofRotavirus vaccine, 50000 each for Jammu & Kashmir. He also said that theState has excellent and adequate cold chain facility for storage of vaccinesand the State is ready for its launch.