Meghalaya Health Department Begins Work on Mission Mode to Ensure Proper Vaccination of Infants

Health Minister said that the government is using drones to transport vaccines to remote areas or areas which are difficult to reach by road.

The Meghalaya government has embarked on a multi-pronged, focused healthcare programme for the children across the state.

Alarmed by the fact that 5007 newborns in the 0-1 year age group of the total 81,000 child population of the state which translates to 6%, are not vaccinated at all, the Meghalaya health department under the direction of Health Minister Dr Ampareen Lyndoh has launched an aggressive, targeted, intensive initiative to sensitise parents, address many of their beliefs, concerns and myths about immunisation and vaccinations and ensure that every child born in Meghalaya are safe and healthy and grow up to be healthy adults.

Addressing a day-long media workshop on the importance of immunisation, Health Minister Dr Lyngdoh said that the government is using drones to transport vaccines to remote areas or areas which are difficult to reach by road. She also spoke about the government’s 1000-day dedication child protection programme.

Ampareen Lyngdoh stressed the critical need for immunisation, citing over 5,000 infants unvaccinated. She announced an aggressive approach to achieve 91% coverage by 2030, prioritising collaboration with UNICEF and communities. Lyndoh said, “The government will incentivise the 1,000-day care initiative for children, ensuring access to medicines and health services statewide.”

Earlier, Dr Valerie J Laloo, gave an overview about the status of immunisation and child Heath in the state.

Veteran journalist of Meghalaya, David Laitphlang delivered the keynote address and spoke about the power of media in shaping public health narratives.

Northeast Live Editor-in-Chief Wasbir Hussain who is also the Executive Director of the Centre for Development and Peace Studies set the tone for the workshop by delivering the introductory speech wherein he underlined the role that the media should play by focusing on important social and health issues and reporting about these issues rather than always reporting on politicians and political issues which very rarely addresses real issues that families and people face.

He said, “We can create campaigns on immunization vaccines. Media outlets can also collaborate with health departments for such campaigns. Can do community-focused campaigns in local languages, which may also resonate in rural areas. These are some of the things that we can do. Let us join hands to ensure a healthier Meghalaya for our children.”

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