Universal Immunisation Programme one of the largest world health projects : Nagaland minister P Longon

KOHIMA: The Universal Immunisation Programme of the country is one of the largest health programs in the world for 30 years, providing vaccines against seven life-threatening diseases free of cost, Nagaland Minister of Health and family Welfare, P Longon, said today.

According special focus on vaccinating children within the first year made a great impact on reducing childhood illnesses and mortality, he said inaugurating the State Level Workshop on Introduction of Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (IPV) and Pentavalent Vaccine into Routine Immunisation organised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in collaboration with the Department of Health and Family Welfare (HWF), Nagaland here.

"With the introduction of IPV and Pentavalent vaccine a child will be provided added protection against poliovirus and haemophilus influenza type B," he said.

Stating that despite all the efforts there are still gaps and challenges that the program has to deal with, the Minister expressed hope that there will be a renewed effort on improving the State's full immunisation coverage.

Commissioner and Secretary for HFW Department, M Patton said that in a state like Nagaland where the immunisation coverage has been low, WHO has been actively participating in the drive.