Surveillance indicators for Measles in UT.

Posted by On September 27, 2019 0 Comment

Chandigarh.27th September,2019. India was declared as a Polio free Nation in 2014 after remaining Polio free for 3 years with last case from Howrah,West Bengal.But,Polio still continues to circulate and affect in neighbouring countries of Pakistan and Afghanistan and importation of cases have also occurred in a few African and Asian countries.

To sustain the polio free status it is important to immunise children through Routine Immunisation and Pulse Polio rounds and in the recently concluded September Pulse Polio Campaign, Chandigarh has achieved Vaccination coverage of 109%.It is very important to maintain a strict vigilance for the disease in form of Surveillance of Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) cases which is carried out by technical support of WHO in the Country.

Sensitivity of Surveillance is measured by Non polio AFP rate of any Country, State or UT . As per the latest AFP surveillance Bulletin released by WHO, Non Polio AFP rate of Chandigarh is 22 as compared to 8 of the country which reflects a highly sensitive and responsive Surveillance system which comprises of both Government and Private facilities including Medical colleges and Civil Dispensaries.

India is now aiming for Measles elimination by 2023 and systems are now being strengthened to enhance both Coverage and Surveillance of measles. UT, Chandigarh has already achieved global level surveillance indicators for Measles.

For achieving effective and responsive Surveillance system in UT, Chandigarh several initiatives have been taken by the Health Department under guidance and directions of Dr. G. Dewan, DH&FW cum MD (NHM).Several Capacity building and hand holding sessions under Immunization have been organised for health care providers in coordination with WHO. The team comprising of MO’s, LHV’s, ANM’s have been formed at the facility level which has increased the reporting and accountability. Monitoring and supervision of the field area is done by the Senior health officials and WHO Monitors on regular basis.