KOZHIKODE: Childline Kozhikode officials who pointed out serious flaws in the immunisation drive in the district, especially rural areas, said that there was a need for urgent intervention of the district medical officer at the grassroot level, as two cases of diphtheria had been confirmed in Nadapuram. The officials had conducted a ‘Balasuraksha Yathra’ dealing with child security issues, starting from July last year.
The ongoing awareness drive till date covered seven municipalities as well as 52 panchayats in the district, said Kozhikode coordinator Muhammedali M.P. “Eight more panchayats will be covered in September and the Yathra is scheduled to end by November 20. The failure of the immunisation drive was one of the prominent findings of the journey. In Vanimel panchayat, according to the survey, only one house was found resistant,” said Mr Muhammedali.
He added that there should be action at the level of Asha workers, to educate the lower strata of the public, especially Muslims, where, religious aspects were misquoted to prevent the immunisation drive. The district coordinator also pointed out the successful case of Malappuram district, where the Health department incorporated the help of religious leaders in the drive and attracted families and alleviated misconceptions.
Vaccination drive on in Malappuram
The Malappuram district where the first diphtheria related deaths reported this year is on high alert. District medical officer, Dr Sakeena told DC that elaborate arrangements are in place to identify the disease and massive vaccination drive also is on. As per the statistics available with health department, 21 persons have been confirmed with the infection of diphtheria so far this year. Besides 90 other suspected cases also were reported. With the help of the authorities of school where the boy was studying, the health department has called a PTA meeting to make the parents aware of the vaccination for diphtheria.
