Kozhikode: The immunization programme of the Ministry of health and family welfare, ‘Mission Indradhanush’ is all set to roll out in seven more districts after its successful implementation in Malappuram and Kasargod. Kozhikode, Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Kannur and Kollam—the districts which fall in the medium category in immunization will be covered by the programme in the second phase.
“We have achieved significant progress in Kasargod and Malappuram since the implementation of the mission on April 7. Along with the seven districts, the programme will be continued in both the districts,” said Dr Sunilkumar. G, State Programme Manager, National Health Mission.
According to Directorate of Health Services (DHS) statistics, 7,017 children under age-2 were covered in the programme in the two districts. In the under-5 category, 31,328 children were covered in both Malappuram and Kasargod besides 2376 pregnant women were administered tetanus vaccination.
Malappuram has registered the lowest rate in immunization, 62 per cent. “Now we have enhanced it to more than 80 per cent in the under-2 category through Mission Indradhanush,” District RCH (reproductive and child health) officer, Dr P.M Jyothi said. However, she added that the stiff resistance to immunization continued in various parts of Malappuram, despite conducting awareness campaigns.
Recently, Kerala’s immunization level has fallen from 90 per cent to 82 per cent. Now, with the achievement in Malappuram alone, the state rate could be pegged at 86 per cent. Mission Indradhanush covers 201 high priority districts in the country.
