THE ROLE OF MEDIA IS CRITICAL TO SAVING CHILDREN FROM MEASLES AND RUBELLA
Chennai:
In an effort to persuade parents and caregivers to vaccinate their children against measles and rubella vaccination, UNICEF in collaboration with the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine (DPH) organised a consultation with media here today.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr T S Selvavinayagam, Director, DPH said media has a critical role in sharing and disseminating information and persuading communities to seek life-saving healthcare practices like immunization. Media also plays an important role in raising awareness of Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI).
Dr K Vinay Kumar, Joint Director, DPH and the State Immunization Officer said, there is absolute need to work with media for the benefit of entire community. Media should help build confidence and trust in parents and caregivers to immunize their children, especially MR vaccination. Dr Vinay shared the immunization program of the state and assured that the directorate is equipped to vaccinate all children in the state with MR vaccination.
Ms Ramya Kanan, a noted journalist reiterated that immunization is the simplest and most affordable public health initiative to protect children from deadly diseases. She urged the media to be informed, sensitive and constructive while reporting on AEFIs and immunization efforts.
Mr Kaushik Ganguly, Social Policy Specialist – Child Survival, UNICEF said UNICEF is the largest procurer of vaccination in the world ensuring children have access to vaccinations in the toughest of places. UNICEF also supports the governments to generate demand for vaccination and address hesitancy by engaging with various influencers
About UNICEF
UNICEF works in
some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged
children. In more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child,
everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.
For more information about UNICEF India and its work for children, visit www.unicef.org/india
UNICEF India relies on the support and donations from businesses and individuals to sustain and expand health, nutrition, water and sanitation, education and child protection programmes for all girls and boys in India.
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