Latest news with #Measles-Rubella
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
U.T. to accelerate implementation of Central health initiatives
The Health Department will devise strategies to scale up Measles-Rubella (MR) prophylaxis vaccination coverage, especially among vulnerable populations. This was among the key decisions taken at a video conference chaired recently by Union Health Minister JP Nadda with top officials from the Puducherry Government to review the implementation of crucial national health programs in the Union Territory of Puducherry. Emphasis was placed on strengthening surveillance systems and addressing any logistical challenges to achieve the goal of eliminating measles and rubella. The meeting also reviewed the progress of TB case detection, treatment adherence, and prevention efforts. The focus was on strategies to improve early diagnosis and ensure uninterrupted access to quality treatment. During the meeting, Mr. Nadda emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts between the central and state governments to ensure the successful implementation of these vital health programs. He reiterated the Centre's commitment to providing all necessary support to Puducherry in achieving its health goals. K. Lakshminarayanan, Public Works Minister, who stood in for Chief Minister N. Rangasamy who holds the health portfolio, said the UT was committed to achieve the targets set for these programmes in an accelerated manner, a press note said. The pace of implementation of the Pradhan Mantri - Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PMABHIM) aimed at strengthening healthcare infrastructure, was assessed. Discussions focused on the progress of infrastructure development projects and their impact on healthcare delivery. Jayanta Kumar Ray, Health Secretary, Vir Singh Negi, JIPMER Director, Health Director and S. Govindarajan, Mission Director of the National Health Mission (NHM) were among those who participated.
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Health
- The Citizen
Protect your child against diseases with immunisation, says health department
Protect your child against diseases with immunisation, says health department Residents are urged by the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) to immunise their children as Tshwane records a 76.6% immunisation rate. The stat comes after the recent data from the department, which shows that 213 389 children under the age of one year were fully vaccinated during the 2024/25 financial year. This translates to 82.3% coverage, which falls short of the provincial target of 90%. Similarly, only 78.4% of children received their second dose of the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine, well below the 92% target. As mentioned, Tshwane's rate stands at 76.6%, the Sedibeng District recorded a 98% full immunisation under one year, and 96.1% MR second dose coverage. Provincial Health MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, said that protecting children from preventable diseases is part of upholding their right to health. 'Failing to complete a child's immunisation schedule is not just a medical oversight; it is a silent threat to their well-being and a subtle form of neglect. We must all recommit to protecting the rights of our children by ensuring they receive every scheduled vaccine on time because a healthy child is a protected child,' Nkomo-Ralehoko said. Immunisation is an intervention that protects children against life-threatening infectious diseases such as measles, rubella, polio, and hepatitis B. The GDoH said immunisation services are freely available at all public health facilities in Gauteng, but not enough children are completing their vaccination schedules, putting them at risk. The department has also identified poor adherence to follow-up appointments as one of the contributing factors to underperformance in certain districts. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to visit their nearest clinic or mobile outreach point to check their child's immunisation status and catch up on any missed vaccines. ALSO READ: Collect your June SASSA grants from tomorrow Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
India Gazette
29-05-2025
- Health
- India Gazette
JP Nadda chairs high-level meet with 8 States/UTs to review progress made on TB
New Delhi [India], May 29 (ANI): Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda, held a high-level meeting with Health Ministers of 8 States and Union Territories to review the progress made on TB and Measles-Rubella elimination and utilisation of funds under PM-ABHIM (Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission) and 15th Finance Commission, according to an official statement. Union Minister Nadda complimented states for their enthusiastic participation during the 100-day Intensified TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan where, according to the statement, 12.97 crore people were screened for TB, with over 7.19 lakh TB patients notified across India, including 2.85 lakh patients who were asymptomatic, with the campaign beind extended to all districts across the country. He took cognisance on key metrics like presumptive TB case examination, NAAT coverage, treatment success and uptake of nutrition support schemes for TB patients, and urged state health ministers to review these key metrics on a regular basis. The statement further read that under the TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, states are playing a proactive role in screening vulnerable populations for TB, irrespective of whether they present symptoms, using portable chest x-ray machines and patients who are TB-suggestive are tested using a NAAT test (Nucleic acid amplification test). Nadda called for greater Jan Bhagidari to bring about impactful and lasting change in the fight against TB. He urged states/UTs to integrally involve elected representatives from Panchayati Raj Institutions, Municipal Corporations etc in the TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. He emphasized the urgent need to reduce both the incidence and mortality rates of TB through early and comprehensive screening. 'The national goal is to bring down the TB incidence rate to 47 cases per lakh population and the mortality rate to below 3 per lakh population,' Nadda said according to the statement. To achieve these targets, the Minister called on states to re-strategize their TB campaigns, placing a sharper focus on vulnerable and high-risk communities. He also stressed the importance of expanding access to rapid diagnostic tools, particularly NAAT testing. In addition, states were encouraged to promote greater uptake of flagship nutritional support initiatives for TB patients and their families, such as the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana and the Ni-kshay Mitra initiative. The Union Minister noted that the participation and benefits under these schemes remain suboptimal in several regions and must be significantly improved to ensure holistic care and support for those affected. Nadda commended states on their efforts towards completely eliminating measles-rubella. However, since some districts in many states are still yet to be free of measles-rubella, he underlined the importance of enhancing immunisation to achieve the goal of elimination of measles-rubella. Putting the focus on health infrastructure, Nadda highlighted that health infrastructure under the PM-ABHIM and 15th Finance Commission needs to be implemented under war footing to ensure that the funds that have been commissioned are spent efficiently as only one year is left for their utilisation. The statement mentioned that the states represented their efforts and achievements in the programmes that were discussed. They also shared their best practices. Health Ministers of various states who joined the meeting included N Rangasamy, Puducherry Chief Minister; Brajesh Mishra, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister; Dhani Ram Shandil, Himachal Pradesh Health Minister; Biyuram Wahge, Arunachal Pradesh Health Minister; Vishwajit Pratapsingh Rane, Goa Health Minister; Gajendra Singh Khimsar, Rajasthan Health Minister; Balbir Singh, Punjab Health Minister, and Irfan Ansari, Jharkhand Health Minister. Punya Salila Srivastava, Union Health Secretary and senior officials of the Union Health Ministry were also present at the meeting. (ANI)
The Citizen
29-05-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Gauteng health urges parents to take children for immunisation
Children are vaccinated according to the national Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) schedule, from birth to 12 years old. The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) is urging parents, caregivers, and communities to ensure children are fully immunised. It warned that failure to do so places young lives at risk and undermines their right to a healthy life. This call coincides with South Africa's observance of National Child Protection Week, from 29 May to 5 June 2025. The department on Thursday emphasised that protecting children from preventable diseases is a vital part of honouring their constitutional right to life, health, and dignity. Alarming drop in vaccination rates Despite immunisation services being freely available at all public health facilities in the province, coverage remains below target. According to departmental data, only 82.3% of children under the age of one were fully vaccinated in the 2024/25 financial year, short of the 90% target. The second dose of the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine recorded an even lower uptake at 78.4%, against the provincial goal of 92%. 'Failing to complete a child's immunisation schedule is not just a medical oversight, it is a silent threat to their well-being, and a subtle form of neglect,' said Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko. ALSO READ: Spike in foodborne illness prompts Gauteng crackdown on non-compliant establishments, says health MEC Sedibeng district leading The department highlighted disparities in coverage across districts. Sedibeng is leading the way, achieving 98% full immunisation for children under one and 96.1% for the MR second dose. However, metropolitan districts such as Tshwane (76.6%), Ekurhuleni (78.6%), and Johannesburg (85%) continue to underperform. One of the contributing factors is poor adherence to follow-up vaccination appointments. The GDoH said it will strengthen public awareness on the importance of completing vaccination schedules and implement coordinated school holiday campaigns, working with Integrated School Health Programme (ISH) teams and outbreak response units. ALSO READ: Gauteng health warns of 'silent killer' 'Immunisation is a right, not a choice' Children are vaccinated according to the national Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) schedule, from birth to 12 years old. Each vaccine visit is recorded in the Road to Health Booklet, which parents must present at every clinic appointment. The department is also intensifying efforts to track children who missed routine vaccines, particularly in underserved areas, and will continue to offer outreach services to close these gaps. 'This Child Protection Week, we must all recommit to protecting the rights of our children by ensuring they receive every scheduled vaccine on time, because a healthy child is a protected child,' Nkomo-Ralehoko said. GDoH reminded parents that ensuring a child is fully immunised is not only a health responsibility, but also a moral and legal obligation under South Africa's child protection laws. NOW READ: Health minister defends nearly R10 million legal spend on NHI court battles
Hans India
22-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
District nodal officer inspects outreach medical camp at Pasupula village
Kurnool: District nodal officer Dr Raghu conducted an inspection of the mobile medical camp held at the village secretariat of Pasupula on Wednesday, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Gargeyapuram Primary Health Centre in Kurnool district. As part of the visit, Dr Raghu created awareness among pregnant and postpartum women about the importance of immunization. He emphasized that administering vaccines from birth up to five years of age helps protect children from several life-threatening diseases. He advised mothers to ensure that their children receive all scheduled vaccinations on time, as this significantly strengthens immunity and helps maintain overall health by preventing infections. Focusing on the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine, Dr Raghu highlighted that the first dose (Dose-1) should be given to children between 9 and 12 months of age, and the second dose (Dose-2) should be administered between 16 and 24 months. He stated that timely MR vaccination boosts immunity in children and protects them from future infections. He also instructed the staff to diligently record all vaccinations as per the schedule for children at ages 5, 10, and 16 years. Additionally, he directed that pregnant women must be provided with two doses of the Tetanus and Diphtheria (TD) vaccine, along with iron supplements. Medical officer Dr Hemalatha, PHN Hanumanthamma, supervisor Nagamani, village secretariat health worker Elizabeth, ASHA workers, and projectionist Khaleel participated in the program.
