Malappuram: For this DMO, Measles Rubella drive begins at home, literally

Malappuram: A deputy district medical officer (DMO) in Malappuram has found an exemplary way to convince the public on the importance of the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination for children. In an effort to convey the message of safety of the vaccination amid strong resistance and anti vaccination campaign through WhatsApp, Dr. A. Shibulal, the deputy DMO, has brought forward his own children by featuring them on the campaign vehicle of the department. He has also decided to administer the MR vaccine to them publicly to encourage the common people and ward off the misconceptions against it.

"The anti-vaccination forces have succeeded in misleading public saying that the vaccine might cause autism in children and it was meant to curb the reproductive capacity of girls. To battle these forces, we decided to bring in our own children for the vaccination to show the public that it is safe," Shibulal said.

"It is not only me, but all officials of the department have decided to take their children for the vaccination drive as part of the campaign. Photos of my children were used to show the public that we also strongly endorse the immunisation drive, to rectify the misconception that health officials don't vaccinate their children," Shibulal says.

The district health authorities are all set to venture into the mammoth task of administering MR vaccine to nearly 13 million children during the two weeks drive which will be launched on Tuesday. The authorities have also roped in ayurveda and homeo medical wings in a bid to ensure maximum coverage. District collector Amit Meena will inaugurate the campaign at Malappuram and renowned magician Gopinath Muthukad will be the chief guest.