Efforts for PCV coverage improvement and RI strengthening in Nagaland, India
Nagaland is a mountainous state nestled in the hills of north-eastern India. It is a land of multiple languages, dialects and home to 17 major hill tribes.
Considering the diversity and difficult terrain, it is challenging to deliver health care services to the community, including child vaccination. This has prompted multiple state-level deliberations by the Health Department and the immunization partners to address the potential underlying causes.
A two-day state-level training on Routine Immunization (RI) Strengthening and Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) Coverage Improvement Plan was held in Kohima, Nagaland, India on July 3rd and 4th, 2024. Organized by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Nagaland with support from the New Vaccine Introduction (NVI) team, John Snow India, the event brought together key state and district officials along with various development partners, including WHO, UNDP, and UNICEF. Notable attendees included the State Immunization Officer (SIO), and the Deputy Director of the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), Nagaland. District Immunization Officers (DIOs), District Program Managers (DPMs), and District Community Mobilizers (DCMs) from across the state also participated in the comprehensive training.
The agenda addressed crucial aspects of the immunization program, such as strengthening micro plans, improving coverage of new vaccines (Rotavirus Vaccine and PCV), the PCV Product Switch, Electronic Data Management, Vaccine Logistics and Cold Chain Management. Additionally, the training focused on demand generation and supply-side challenges in implementing the RI program.
This event marked a significant step towards improving routine immunization coverage in Nagaland, India. The collaborative efforts and comprehensive nature of the training intends to foster the commitment to pave the way for better immunization practices and higher vaccine coverage.
Instagram video: Highlights of the 2-day State Level Training on Routine Immunization Strengthening & PCV Coverage Improvement Plan
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Authors: Dr. Imkongtemsu Longchar, State Immunization Officer, Government of Nagaland; Dr. G.R.Rio, Dy Director (UIP), Government of Nagaland; Ms Seema Singh Koshal, Program Manager, New Vaccine Introduction Team, JSI India; Dr. Jayanta Majumder, Regional Technical Manager, New Vaccine Introduction Team, JSI India; Dr. Rashmi Mehra, Program Officer, New Vaccine Introduction Team, JSI India.
Photo: Two-day state-level training on Routine Immunization (RI) Strengthening and PCV Coverage Improvement Plan was held in Kohima, Nagaland. Credits: JSI India/R. Mehra