Naharlagun, Mar 13: The Arunachal Pradesh National Health Mission, in collaboration with the USAID-supported MOMENTUM Routine Immunization Transformation and Equity Project, held a state-level orientation meeting today to onboard Cause Ambassadors for promoting Routine Immunization (RI).
The meeting aimed to engage Cause Ambassadors in advocating for and strengthening routine immunization efforts, emphasizing the importance of vaccinating all eligible children to bolster community immunity. Held in the presence of Marge Sora, MD NHM, and Dr.Tage Taka, Medical Officer - Immunization, the event drew participation from health officials and community stakeholders.
Dr. Duyu Meena Mudang, Mrs. India 2017 and Mrs. Planet Green Ambassador 2017, along with Dr. Delong Padung, a renowned folk artist and singer, Ustad Bismillah Khan National Awardee, and State Gold Medalist in Folkmusic, were formally introduced to state officials during the meeting chaired by MD NHM. Both ambassadors were briefed on the state's communication activities, immunization efforts, and their role as Cause Ambassadors. Leaflets and posters developed for the campaign were also shared with the state officials and the Cause Ambassadors.
These influential public figures will play a pivotal role in boosting awareness of RI and strengthening community engagement across Arunachal Pradesh.
In addition to the orientation meeting, the Model Immunization Centre at Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS), Arunachal Pradesh, was inaugurated in the presence of Cause Ambassadors, CMS TRIHMS, and HOD Pediatrics. The initiative will apply learnings from the COVID-19 vaccination rollout investment, the project is directing efforts towards enhancing the service delivery experience at immunization centers. This initiative aims to spotlight best practices in service delivery by strengthening the immunization service experience at selected sites. Initiatives include several quality improvement steps, such as capacity building for staff, strengthening the immunization center to be more user-friendly, and other person-centered approaches such as counselling and effective communication and outreach in communities.
Dr. D Padung, State Immunization Officer, expressed commitment to the initiative, emphasizing the importance of reaching out to unvaccinated populations and ensuring every child receives essential vaccinations through the engagement of the cause ambassadors and media platforms.
Marge Sora, MD NHM, highlighted the critical role of Cause Ambassadors in promoting immunization, citing their influence in dispelling myths and increasing vaccine acceptance rates.
Dr. Gopal Krishna Soni, Project Director, MOMENTUM Routine Immunization Transformation & Equity Projectsaid". The project has successfully facilitated the COVID-19 vaccination among the vulnerable and marginalized for the state governments of 18 states. In Arunachal Pradesh, the project team members have supported the state teams in reaching the most hard-to-reach areas with COVID-19 vaccination.  In this phase, the learnings and strategies from the COVID-19 vaccination drive will be leveraged in the uptake of Routine Immunization among children. The project has been mobilizing vulnerable & marginalized populations, addressing vaccine hesitancy, and promoting community participation in vaccination. Our collective efforts will guide us toward a future where preventable diseases are no longer a threat. By joining forces and fostering a strong partnership between healthcare providers, the cause ambassadors, the media, and the community, we are confident in our ability to overcome vaccine hesitancy and pave the way for a healthier and disease-free society”. 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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