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Meghalaya's Unique Path to Universal Child Immunization
10 Jul
Summary
- Meghalaya achieves 75.3% full vaccination coverage for children aged 12-23 months.
- Engaging fathers and local leaders is crucial for vaccine acceptance.
- Digital platforms and community-centered approaches strengthen delivery systems.
India's Universal Immunisation Programme has significantly improved child survival, but challenges persist in reaching all children. Meghalaya's National Family Health Survey-6 reports 75.3% full vaccination coverage for children aged 12-23 months, highlighting ongoing efforts.
The state emphasizes two pillars: robust delivery systems and strong community trust. Recognizing that fathers and local leaders influence decisions, Meghalaya's approach is becoming more community-centered.
Challenges like difficult terrain, seasonal migration, and engaging marginalized communities are being addressed. Collaborations with groups like the Community of Practice Demand (CoPD) are creating localized communication strategies.
Initiatives in East Khasi Hills involve local leaders and village health councils. Communication now frames immunization as a shared parental responsibility, reinforced through various local media channels.
Service delivery is enhanced by frontline workers and digital platforms like U-WIN and eVIN, ensuring vaccine availability and tracking even in remote areas.
Meghalaya's success demonstrates that universal immunization relies on strong systems and active community involvement, ensuring every child receives life-saving protection.
