A comprehensive district-level adult BCG vaccination campaign was launched under the National Tuberculosis Eradication Program at the Collectorate Auditorium in Jamshedpur. The campaign, inaugurated by District Magistrate cum Deputy Commissioner Mr. Ananya Mittal, aims to eradicate tuberculosis from the district by vaccinating citizens above 18 years of age.
The campaign is a significant step towards achieving the goal of a tuberculosis-free district, and it is being implemented in accordance with the guidelines of the State Government. The BCG vaccine will be administered free of cost to citizens above 18 years of age, and it will be available at Anganwadi Centres, Primary Health Centres, Health Sub Centres, and all other health facilities.
Six categories of people have been identified for adult TB vaccination, including those who have taken treatment for TB disease five years ago, people who have been in contact with a TB patient up to three years ago, smokers, malnourished people with BMI less than 18, people suffering from diabetes, and all people above 60 years of age.
Deputy Development Commissioner Mr. Manish Kumar, Civil Surgeon Dr. Sahir Pal, District Tuberculosis Officer, District RCH Officer, and District VVD Officer, along with other officials of the Health Department, were present at the inauguration ceremony.
District Magistrate cum Deputy Commissioner Mr. Ananya Mittal emphasized the importance of mutual participation from citizens in making the district TB-free. He urged officials to ensure that all eligible people in urban and rural areas are vaccinated by coordinating with each other.
The BCG vaccine is a safe and effective vaccine that has been widely used in many countries to prevent TB. In India, it is already being administered to newborns, and now it will be given to adults as well to prevent TB.
TB is an infectious disease that can be spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms of TB include coughing for more than two weeks, fever for two weeks, weight loss, and blood coming out with phlegm. If these symptoms are seen, it is essential to seek medical advice immediately.
In addition to the BCG vaccination campaign, a Pulse Polio campaign will also be launched in the district from August 25 to 27. The target is to administer polio drops to 90 percent of children between zero to five years on booth day on August 25. On the second and third day, i.e., August 26 and 27, the missed children will be administered polio drops by going door-to-door.
Furthermore, a Leprosy Search Campaign will be conducted from August 28 to September 13. The campaign aims to identify and treat leprosy patients in the district. The District Magistrate cum Deputy Commissioner directed officials to make the campaign effective by coordinating with the Education, Panchayati Raj, Social Welfare Department, and JSLPS.
Report – Jaswinder Singh
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