MBMC launches drive to achieve 100% immunisation

The health department of the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) has launched 'Mission Indradhanush 4.0' – an intensified universal immunisation drive in the twin-city – which aims to protect pregnant women and children from life-threatening illnesses. The week-long drive started on Monday (April 4).

After an intensive survey, the civic administration identified pockets in the region where the mission will be launched in 66 special sessions, including some in the outreach format. Apart from 703 children aged 0-2 years and 144 pregnant women, the MBMC's focus will be on construction sites, slums settlements, drop-outs (due to the pandemic) and some communities that refuse vaccination due to irrational and religious beliefs.

The initiative is a part of the nationwide campaign launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, to cover children who are either unvaccinated or partially vaccinated against seven vaccine-preventable diseases including – diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, polio, tuberculosis, measles and hepatitis-B.

As per information sourced from the MBMC's health department, 83 per cent of children and 84 per cent of pregnant women have been fully vaccinated in the twin-city, so far, with 66 ANM’s (auxiliary nurse midwives) and 113 ASHA workers being roped in to assist.

The routine vaccination drive was affected due to the Covid-induced lockdowns and restrictions since 2020. MBMC chief Dilip Dhole has appealed to the beneficiaries to proactively participate in this special programme by ensuring children and pregnant women get vaccinated, ensuring their protection against deadly diseases. The intensified drive aims to cover 100 per cent of kids under two years of age and also pregnant women.