With barely 10 days to go for the scheduled culmination of the measles-rubella vaccination campaign, Kozhikode district continues to lag behind in terms of coverage. The coverage for the entire district stands at around 40%.
According to the data provided by Health Department sources, Valayam block has recorded the least coverage at 21%. Of the targeted 31,554 children aged between nine months and 15 years, only 6,614 have been covered till October 25. The highest achievement has been recorded from Koyilandy block at 58%. Of the targeted 6,117 children, 3,526 have been covered till that date.
In Kozhikode block that includes the heart of the city, the coverage is not even 50%. Of the 1,08,234 children targeted, 49,862 children had undergone the vaccination.
In view of the situation, the district administration has involved itself in the campaign and struck a deal with seven private hospitals in the city where the vaccine will be provided for free. All the private hospitals in the city will observe October 29 as measles-rubella day. Children who did not get vaccinated in schools or those who missed it can use this opportunity.
Doctors in the paediatric department will supervise the vaccination programme to be held between 10 a.m. and noon. Meanwhile, the department has been accused of not providing proper security or facilities for the staff to undertake the campaign.
Over a month ago, public health staff were allegedly beaten up by the parents and family members of a child who had undergone another vaccination. After the incident, the staff had threatened to go on an indefinite strike if they were not ensured protection. Though they dropped their plans, the morale of the staff is reportedly not high.
