Radio’s role in Child Rights

UNICEF and Association of Radio Operators of India organised a workshop to evolve a suitable platform which can use the power of radio for social development specifically child rights. 

The workshop used participatory processes wherein the radio professionals themselves realised how easy it is to integrate social messages in regular programming and use radio waves for a cause.

To create a platform for, by and about children and to enable a whole generation of adolescents to voice their issues is what UNICEF alongwith radio can facilitate. This was the underlying message a group of radio professionals took home today.

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s 2012 estimates indicate that 245 private FM radio stations are reaching millions of listeners across socio-economic classes in India, making radio the most potent medium for entertainment, information and education.

The interactive session presented an overview of the child rights scenario in India, UNICEF’s approach to the situation and potential programming and partnership opportunities with FM radio. Radio jockeys and producers from Red FM, Fever 101, Must radio, Big FM, Radio Dhamaal, Radio City, Radio and Music.com and other community based radio stations participated in the workshop.

Rajeshwari Chandrasekar, Chief, UNICEF State Office for Maharashtra, pointed out that “FM radio has immense potential for influencing public opinion and creating a movement for children and young people through their interactive programming. UNICEF’s partnership with radio stations through the Association of Radio Operators for India (AROI) will provide a platform for India’s children and youth to influence key decision makers, notably media.”

“The role of media and radio in particular is extremely powerful especially in India, which, is a huge music loving and information loving country. To now extend the potential of radio to speak for change and mobilise people and bring institutions together is the logical next step forward. Radio jockeys need to step up and become radio journalists. This is the only way radio can become a partner in development,” said Uday Chawla, Secretary General, Association of Radio Operators of India (AROI).

Through interactive games and roleplaying, radio professionals explored options on how they could mainstream messaging on child labour, marriage, abuse, education and open defecation as a part of their regular programming.

RJ Simran from Radio City, urged the radio jockeys gathered to speak for change. She handed a whistle to each radio jockey to use on air to advocate child’s rights. “That whistle lying on my desk everyday will remind me that I have a responsibility to be the change I want to see. There are several barriers we face including our own misconceptions and lack of information. We often think that no one wants to discuss serious issues but if we actually start talking about these concerns on air, we will find that our audience does care and gets involved.”

She gave the example of UNICEF’s current ‘Take the Poo 2 the Loo’ (www.poo2loo.com, #poo2loo on twitter) campaign. 626 million Indians, half the population of our country defecates in the open. “This campaign can easily be woven into our daily programming in a fun and easy way to get the message across that open defecation which you see from the local train every morning is also a health, dignity and safety issue.”

Sonia Sarkar and Swati Mohapatra, UNICEF facilitated the workshop stressing, “Child rights can be as popular as cricket and Bollywood provided the end message is put on air creatively with humour. We would be happy to work with any radio station with our expertise on critical issues concerning women and children in India.”

Single vaccine to prevent millions of death.

In this era of unprecedented growth and development, when surveys on child mortality rate reveal that millions of children under the age of five have been dying every year because of those diseases which could be avoided before their advent, it startles me. We belong to that nation where when a child takes birth, parents, especially mothers, go to extremes to keep their child away from all kind of adversities. Then, where parents are lagging behind? The answer to this imperative question is “vaccination”. Thousands of parents to children under the age of five is the core reason behind the high mortality rate of children in India as they do not participate in the vaccination programme. 5 life-threatening diseases like Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B and Hib could be prevented by the use of  “Pentavalent Vaccine”. Parents need to understand that holistic development of a child solely depends on their health which cannot be compromised. Therefore, for the sound growth and development of children during foundation years as well as in the future, parents are urged to provide pentavalent vaccine to their children. Every child must be vaccinated.

Dr. Kusha Pant
(Specialization in Human Development and Family Studies)

Hyderabad-Based Pharma Firm to Supply Pentavalent Vaccines to Egypt

Hyderabad-based bio-pharmaceutical firm Biological E Ltd revealed that it will be supplying Egypt with pentavalent vaccines that will provide protection against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B and haemophilus influenza type B in a single dose. The six-decade old Hyderabad-based life sciences firm develops, manufactures and markets innovative vaccines and biologics for healthcare needs in India and overseas.

Egypt consumes about eight million doses of liquid pentavalent vaccine every year to treat various diseases.  Egyptian Health Minister Mohamed Mostafa Hamed has endorsed the agreement. "Since the World Health Organisation (WHO) pre-qualified our pentavalent vaccine in 2012, we started exporting the product to many countries the world over," Mantena said.

The company recently entered into a five-year pact with Gavi for its joint venture with the British pharma major GSK (GlaxoSmithKline) plc to develop and commercialise the IPV (inactivated polio vaccine) containing Hexavalent vaccine. Gavi, formerly the global alliance for vaccines and immunisation, is a public-private global health partnership to save children by increasing access to immunisation. The company also has strategic partnerships with international biotech and pharma firms and research institutes to develop new vaccines for domestic and export markets.  As a holding company for biological products and vaccines in Egypt, Vacsera is the only producer of vaccines and sera (serum) in West Asia and Africa and one of the main blood banks in the region.

“MY World” Bringing the People of India into the Global Conversation

“I am thrilled that by making a simple phone call people can take a virtual seat at the UN to participate in a global conversation on the roadmap for the future” - Ms Priyanka Chopra

Mumbai, 27 May 2013 – The United Nations has invited citizens from around the world to vote on the issues that make the most difference to their lives. Over 560,000 citizens from 194 countries have already voted in one of the largest global surveys ever undertaken, providing real-time and real-world intelligence on what people think are biggest challenges.

In order to draw people from the most marginalized communities in India into this global conversation, Actor and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Ms Priyanka Chopra launched the mobile application of the MY World survey today.

At the event hosted by the SP Jain Institute of Management Research and co-organized by the UNICEF and UN Millennium Campaign, Ms Chopra said, “This is a truly ground breaking initiative. I am thrilled that by making a simple phone call people can take a virtual seat at the UN to participate in a global conversation on a roadmap for the future. For the first time I feel we have an opportunity at hand to think ahead, think together yet individually and have a truly impactful plan for a future without poverty and suffering.”

The head of the UN system in India, Ms Lise Grande, emphasized, “Now more than ever, we need people to tell world leaders what they want. India is a global leader and when its people stand up for better healthcare, better education, decent work, pensions, sustainable energy for all, human rights and good governance, the world pays attention. The MY WORLD initiative is a way for Indians to shape the global development agenda. It’s an opportunity that’s too important to miss.”

Speaking at the event, UNICEF Representative for India, Mr Louis Georges Arsenault pointed out, “The highlight of this survey is that it has given young people an opportunity to contribute meaningfully in shaping the global agenda. I see Priyanka, UNICEF ambassador, as a role model and strong influencer who can encourage millions of young people in India to take this survey and participate in a process which is so important in defining our future priorities.”

Mr Minar Pimple, Regional Director, Asia Pacific, UN Millennium Campaign, described the launch of the mobile survey as an important step towards making the process more participatory. Mr Pimple said, “Given the deep penetration of the mobile phone in this country, we are hopeful that millions of people will cast their vote.”

Built on the principle of crowdsourcing, MY WORLD harnesses the full power of technology, social media and partnerships. The initiative is supported by over 400 partner organizations globally and has received strategic support from Department for International Development (DFID). In India, the mobile platform is a partnership between the Web Foundation, technology provider Kirusa, service provider Loop Mobile, hosted by the civil society partner, Wada Na Todo Abhiyan.

Through the initiative, people case their ballots in favour of the six most preferred developments that would significantly alter their future. Jamuna Mallar, a young woman from Vellore, Tamil Nadu said, “The whole exercise was in a language I could understand. Instead of being branded as the problem, here I was providing a solution.”

Results from the MY WORLD survey have been shared with the UN Secretary General, the UN Secretary-General’s High Level Panel on the Post 2015 Development Agenda and the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development. In India, the votes so far have indicated that the single largest transforming would be “better education” followed closely by “better job opportunities” and “better healthcare.”

Take the survey online at www.myworld2015.org or call 0730-201-0000
Latest global and country wise ballot counts, trends and priorities can be viewed at
http://data.myworld2015.org
For more information please contact:
Ms Geetanjali Master
gmaster@unicef.org
Ms Lopa Ghosh
lopa.ghosh@one.un.org

World Immunization week

Let's protect our children

Radio ads to promote immunization

Launch of National Communication campaign

Dr Naveen Thacker address at Sandesh News

From: Sandesh News

Pneumonia - A breath of life video

Routine Immunization: Fact sheet

The vaccination of hope!

Government of India launches its new communication campaign for routine immunisation in India

Lack of awareness on routine immunisation, little or no knowledge on vaccine-preventable diseases, the need to reach out to some of the remote, high-risk districts in India to create demand for routine vaccination, has encouraged India to develop a holistic and integrated communication strategy on routine immunization. To be sure, the Indian government has declared 2012-2013 as the ‘year of intensification of routine immunisation’ in line with the World Immunisation Week 2013. What’s more, India has identified four rounds of special immunisation weeks in high-risk areas during the months of April, June, July and August.

With the aim to branding immunisation in a big way, so it can be visible in the minds of the people who are ignorant of its benefits, the Indian government through the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, with the help of other stakeholders, including UNICEF and World Health Organisation (WHO), launched its unique communication strategy early this week that will roll out all over India in the next two-three months. This includes a new logo, television spot, radio jingle, besides posters informing people about the benefits of vaccines.


The logo is that of a chubby smiling baby in white diapers comfortably holding an injection in her hand, saying, “Don’t forget, vaccination your baby must get.” The television spot is that of indulgent family members gushing over a new-born baby who reminds them that they have to take her for routine vaccination and immunisation. The effect is evident: Even as adults temporarily forget the basic right for their child to live, survive and grow, the child reminds them to take her for routine vaccinations instead.

The logo, television and radio spots and posters were launched in New Delhi earlier this week by Anuradha Gupta, additional secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Speaking on the occasion, Gupta spoke of the challenges of routine immunisation that still plague the country and why it is important to reinforce the message to the parents, many of whom are unaware of the benefits of these vaccinations. It is a dual challenge: reaching out to 2.7 crore new born children every year while also tracking the growth and vaccinating children up to five years (13-14 crore children every year by that yardstick) and educating parents on the advantages of giving their children routine vaccination.

The task is not easy, as UNICEF’s India Representative Louis-Georges Arsenault noted, especially given some shocking findings on reasons why people don’t immunise children: roughly 28 per cent of parents felt there was no need for it, 10.8 per cent had no idea where to go for vaccinations, 26 per cent had no idea they even existed, and roughly 8 per cent feared side effects because of myths and wrong information spread about routine immunisation. Arsenault noted that issues were restricted not just on demand but also supply side especially with vaccines not available in certain areas (6.2 per cent), services not available (2.1 per cent) and in some cases long waiting time (2.1 per cent) (Figures as per CES 2009 report). Arsenault also noted that the “last mile” was always challenging; even as DPT-3 coverage in India is roughly 72 per cent, 75 lakh children still await getting the dose.

Taking the micro-planning route, identifying the high-risk areas, marking priority districts, targeting urban slums and tracking the growth trajectory of children and mothers, besides rolling out the communication strategy is the way forward for the success of routine immunisation, according to the experts who were present at the event.

For a country that has eradicated polio fully for the last two years, the effort for routine immunisation needs to gather more force especially given alarming statistics of 8 million deaths of new born babies every year and 7.4 million kids still waiting for their vaccinations even as roughly 4 million lives of babies get saved every year.

The yawning gap needs to be filled. The routine immunisation communication strategy is the way forward and this is just the beginning.

Government to intensify efforts on child vaccination.

To create awareness on the urgency to vaccinate every eligible child and intensify efforts to improve the coverage, the health ministry has launched special immunization weeks campaign

The communication campaign aimed at increasing awareness among people in remote areas, was launched by Ms Anuradha Gupta, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Mission Director, National Rural Health Mission on April 29, 2013 at New Delhi. The media event was held in presence of development partners and health officials, in collaboration with UNICEF, as a part of the first special immunization week (April 24-30).

Speaking to media, Ms Gupta mentioned that the special immunization week is an opportunity to reinforce India's call to action for child survival and development. "The new RI logo and other communication material will promote consistent messaging to raise awareness on the urgency of reaching every child with lifesaving immunization," added Anuradha Gupta while pointing towards a new RI logo, TV spot, radio spot and posters that have been included in the campaign. She also emphasized on the need of ensuring that all the vaccines given free of cost, reach every last child in the country.



Emphasizing on UNICEF's focus to promote equity in programme results, Mr Louis Georges Arsenault, UNICEF India Representative said, "In India, inequity persists within and between states. There are geographical, rural-urban, rich-poor, gender and other related differences in vaccination coverage. Disparities need to be addressed to reach every last child. The Special Immunization Week is an opportunity for all of us to renew focus on ensuring equity in immunization coverage."

"Pentavalent vaccine expansion is a significant step in India's call to action to renew its commitment to child survival and development by strengthening key strategic public health interventions. Pentavalent protects children from Hib pneumonia and Hib meningtisin addition to protection from diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus and Hepatitis B," said Mr Rakesh Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The intensified campaign comes in backdrop of the fact that close to 75 lakh children every year miss the benefits of childhood vaccinations. A majority of those missing the opportunity are from among the undeserved and marginalized populations. Being unvaccinated keeps them at highest risk of catching life threatening childhood diseases. Keeping in view these facts, the year 2012-13 was declared as "Year of Intensification of Routine Immunization" by the government of India. After successful introduction in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, intensification efforts saw the expansion of pentavalent vaccine to six more states in India.

From: Biospectrum (The business of Bioscience), New Delhi

Special immunization week launched to cover 184 high-rish districts

From: Political and Business Daily, New Delhi

Don’t forget vaccination to every child

From: National Duniya, All Edition

Immunization sessions to intensify efforts to reach every last child with vaccination.

From: Deepika, Kerela

Measles immunization

Sixth round of measles supplementary immunization in progress

Supplementary measles immunization round underway last month in Vidisha District of Madhya Pradesh. This was  sixth round of measles supplementary immunization, reaching out 40 lakh children in age group of 9 months to ten years in sixteen districts of Madhya Pradesh. The rounds were conducted by Department of Health & Family welfare, Government of Madhya Pradesh as per guidelines of Government of India, with technical support of UNICEF and WHO. Measles SIA started in Madhya Pradesh in year 2010 and till now 34 districts have been covered and 90 lakh children have been vaccinated by the Department of Health & family welfare, Government of Madhya Pradesh. 

Measles immunization drive in Vidisha District of Madhya Pradesh.

Pictures by: Amit Gulati

UNICEF says, Pentavalent is safe

Government to intensify efforts to reach every last child with vaccination

Immunization communication campaign launched during Special Immunization Week

The new eye catching logo for the Immunization communication campaign

NEW DELHI, 29 April: To create awareness on the urgency to vaccinate every eligible child and intensify efforts to improve RI coverage, the Government of India has launched Special Immunization Weeks. Four weeks, with one week each in the months of April, June, July and August will be used to hold special immunization sessions in high-risk areas across the country.

Each year full immunization prevents approximately 4 lakh under-five deaths from vaccine preventable diseases in India. But close to 75 lakh children every year miss the benefits of childhood vaccinations. A majority of those missing the opportunity are from among underserved and marginalized populations. Being unvaccinated keeps them at highest risk of catching life-threatening childhood diseases. Globally, every fifth child is unimmunized.

“The Special Immunization Week is an opportunity to reinforce India’s Call to Action for child survival and development,” said Anuradha Gupta, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Mission Director, National Rural Health Mission, while launching a new communication campaign in the presence of media, development partners, and health officials at the India Habitat Centre.

(From Left-to-Right) Dr. Rakesh Kumar-Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Anuradha Gupta-NHRM, Louis-Georges Arsenault, Unicef representative to india

The new communication campaign comprises a new RI logo, TV spot, radio spot and posters. The media event, organized in collaboration with UNICEF, was part of the first Special Immunization Week (April 24-30) awareness initiative.



“The new RI logo and other communication material will promote consistent messaging to raise awareness on the urgency of reaching every child with life-saving immunization,” added Anuradha Gupta. She encouraged her state counterparts and development partners to focus on ensuring that vaccines that are provided free of cost under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) reach every last child in the country.

Year 2012-13 was declared as “Year of Intensification of Routine Immunization.” Intensification efforts saw the expansion of Pentavalent vaccine to six more states in India after successful introduction in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Advatages of Immunization

“Pentavalent vaccine expansion is a significant step in India’s Call to Action to renew its commitment to child survival and development by strengthening key strategic public health interventions. Pentavalent protects children from Hib pneumonia and Hib meningitis in addition to protection from diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus and Hepatitis B.,” said Dr Rakesh Kumar, Joint Secretary, RCH, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Emphasizing on UNICEF’s focus to promote equity in programme results, Mr. Louis-Georges Arsenault, UNICEF India Representative said, “In India, inequity persists within and between states. There are geographical, rural-urban, poor-rich, gender and other related differences in vaccination coverage. Disparities need to be addressed to reach every last child. The Special Immunization Week is an opportunity for all of us to renew focus on ensuring equity in immunization coverage.”

“The Special Immunization Week lays sufficient importance on generating awareness about immunization and to reach marginalized populations in brick kilns, urban slums and other hard-to-reach areas. Engagement with media and other key stakeholders have been planned and will be continued in the following weeks,” said Dr Ajay Khera, Deputy Commissioner, Child Health and Immunization, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

Special Immunization Week is observed each year in late April to promote the use of life-saving vaccines, one of the world’s most potent tools to immunize children against killer diseases. Concerted efforts to immunize children have reduced or eliminated the incidence of devastating illnesses:
1. Smallpox was eradicated in 1980.
2. India has been polio free for the last two years.
3. Between 2000 and 2011, measles deaths dropped 71% worldwide. India introduced 2nd dose of measles vaccination in 2010.
4. 18 states have eliminated neo-natal tetanus between 2003 and 2013.

In June 2012, the Governments of Ethiopia, India and the United States with UNICEF, USAID and other partners launched a global roadmap to end preventable deaths of children under the age of five. Since then, under the banner of Committing to Child Survival: A Promise Renewed, more than 170 countries have signed up and renewed their commitment to child survival. In February 2013, Government of India launched a Call to Action on Child Survival and Development in Tamil Nadu, renewing the promise towards further reducing Under 5 mortality in India. The Summit also arrived at a set of agreed actions that will sustain the momentum and promote accountability in India’s journey towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals related to maternal and child mortality.
# # #

For further information, please contact:
1. Dr. Pradeep Haldar, DC, Immunization, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India; Tel: 91-11-23062126
2. Dr Ajay Khera, DC, Child Health and Immunization, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India; Tel: 91-11-23061281
3. Sonia Sarkar, Communications Officer (Media), UNICEF; Tel: 9810170289

Only vaccinations can save the world

From: Amar Ujjala

Immunization: The Big Picture

Immunization is one of the most successful and cost-effective public health interventions. According to the latest data, in 2011, global efforts to immunize children with vaccines against life-threatening diseases reached 107 million children and averting an estimated 2 to 3 million deaths per year along with countless episodes of illness and disability.

However, despite significant gains in recent years, some 22.4 million children (almost 20% of children born each year) are not immunized, exposing them to disabilities or premature death. Among immunized children, more than 70% live in the 10 countries with the largest populations and the weakest immunization structures in the world.

Immunization has the potential to boost a country's growth. Immunization makes economic sense. Many analyses weighing the costs versus the benefits of vaccination have shown positive economic impact. What's more, the infrastructure, management and acceptability of immunization programmes offer a platform to deliver other integrated health and nutrition interventions.

Vaccines work by introducing into a person's immune system a harmless form of a bacterium, toxin or virus that a healthy person's body recognizes as unusual and responds by devising a defense (immunity) against it.

The most commonly applied global standard of routine immunization coverage is reflected in an individual's receipt of three doses of DTP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis) vaccine, or DTP3. The most recent estimates (2011) show a continuing positive trend in global DTP3 coverage, which was received by 83% of children under one year of age.


Disparities in immunization coverage exist within and among the world's regions and countries.  While DTP3 coverage is 96% in the industrialized countries, none of the regions in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa have been able to attain such high coverage, leaving large unimmunizatied populations in the least developed countries. To make matters worse, an inequity of coverage prevails within many countries, especially developing countries.

UNICEF and its partner organizations are responding to the challenge with a global push to ensure that the hardest children to reach – most of them in Africa and Asia – are immunized. Major initiatives are underway to accelerate the development and deployment of new and underused vaccines, for example hepatitis B (Hep B) and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine. The number of countries using Hep B vaccine has increased from 107 in 2000 to 180 in 2011 and for the Hib vaccine, has increased from 29 in 1997 to 177 in 2011.

Significant progress has been made to reduce mortality and morbidity due to vaccine preventable diseases such as polio, measles and maternal and neonatal tetanus through supplementary immunization activities or campaigns, in addition to routine vaccination programmes. These campaigns provide valuable opportunities to reach children in older age groups compared to routine vaccination and to introduce other high-impact life-saving interventions such as vitamin A tablets, insecticide treated bed nets and de-worming tablets.

Achievements aside, there are daunting challenges in vaccinating all target children, not least of which is rising cost. Providing traditional and new vaccines (such as HepB and Hib) can now cost as much as $20 to $40 per child. Other obstacles to higher coverage include non-availability of sustainable resources, poor management and logistics systems, inequity in services, and a lack of community engagement.

From: UNICEF Global website

Karnataka Government Reaches Out To Millions Of Children With Pentavalent Vaccine

As part of the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP), the vaccine will be administered in government hospitals and clinics across the state.

Bangalore, April 5, 2013: The Pentavalent vaccine, the vaccine which prevents killer diseases in children like diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis-B and Influenza-B has been incorporated into Universal Immunisation Program in Karnataka from March 17, 2013. The vaccine will now be a single injection providing protection against Hib diseases* and will replace earlier used DPT and hepatitis –B injections.

 The vaccine is in use for more than 20 years in nearly 180 countries. More than 160 million doses of Hib-containing pentavalent vaccine were distributed worldwide in 2012, including approximately 90 million doses manufactured in India. The vaccine has an excellent safety record that is well researched and published.
The vaccine was launched as a part of UIP in Kerala and Tamil Nadu in December 2011 and following the recommendations of a post-introduction evaluation led by World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2012, it has also been introduced in Gujarat, Goa, Pondicherry, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka and Delhi. The vaccine is recommended by the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.




The vaccine that was available only at private health facilities earlier in Karnataka will now be a part of routine immunization schedule of the Government’s UIP.  The move will help reduce the burden of child mortality and disability in children because of Hib diseases. During the launch of the vaccine in March, the Hon’ble Chief Minister and Health Minister of Karnataka urged all parents to get the benefit of this vaccine from government health facilities across the state.

In an effort to create awareness among public about the vaccine and to promote the benefits of the immunisation program, the Government of Karnataka and the National Rural Health Mission, Government of India and supported by UNICEF, WHO and other program partners presented several critical aspects related to the pentavalent vaccine program implementation in the state.

During an interactive session with the media, Mr. Madan Gopal, Principal Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka said, “Universal Immunization Programme has proved beneficial to millions of children. The Government of Karnataka has taken a major step to ensure disease free childhood in the state, and pentavalent vaccination will bring down child mortality and morbidity further”. Dr. Geetha Nyamgoudar, Project Director, RCH added that “Infants will be given three doses of the vaccine at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age. Approximately 11 lakh infants will benefit from this vaccine this year and every year in the state.”

Speaking on the importance of Pentavalent vaccine expansion in UIP, Dr Satish Gupta, Health Specialist, UNICEF said, “Pentavalent vaccine expansion is a significant step in India’s Call to Action to renew its commitment to child survival by strengthening key strategic public health interventions. Two out of five infants in India - nearly 40% of children - does not receive these life-saving vaccine doses. The children missed by essential vaccinations remain defenceless against these killer diseases.” The media workshop held in Bangalore sets off a series of activities that are being planned by the Government of India, UNICEF, WHO and other partners to mark the World Immunization Week from April 24-30 and builds on the Government’s routine immunization campaign.

The dialogue with media from all over Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Delhi was facilitated by experts from the Government of Karnataka, WHO and UNICEF and, also included representatives from professional bodies such as Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP).
Participants from the media shared insights on how media can be an important partner in creating awareness about the vaccine. The workshop provided an opportunity to establish meaningful collaboration with practitioners from the media and discuss the importance of immunization programme and underlining benefits of Pentavalent Vaccine.

Note to Editor
Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) is a bacterium which causes severe pneumonia, meningitis and other life-threatening conditions in children less than five years of age. An estimated 24 to 30 lakh serious cases and 72,000 child deaths due to Hib diseases (pneumonia and meningitis) are reported every year in India. Pneumonia is the leading cause of death in 1-59 month old children (16%) in India. Giving pentavalent vaccine means reducing the number of pricks to a child from six to three, with additional protection from Hib diseases. Hib Vaccination can prevent over a third of pneumonia cases and 90% of Hib meningitis cases. Furthermore, 15- 35% of meningitis survivors suffer permanent neurologic damage.

For further information please contact:
Govt. of Karnataka:

Dr. Geetha Nyamgoudar, Project Director, (RCH)
Mobile: +91-94-4984-3005

Dr. Husensaheb. M. Khaji, Deputy Director, Immunization
Mobile: +91-94-4984-3418

UNICEF:

Prosun Sen, Communication Specialist, UNICEF Office for Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka,
Mobile: +91- 95-0265-5533, Email: psen@unicef.org

Sonia Sarkar, Communication Officer (Media), UNICEF India, Mobile: +91-98-9186-1445, E-mail: ssarkar@unicef.org

Indian Academy Of Pediatrics Bats For Pentavalent Vaccines

The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) has issued a statement commending the government's efforts in providing free pentavalent vaccines and calling the fears as unfounded. The pentavalent vaccine is supposed to provide protection against five life-threatening diseases - Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B and Hib (Haemophilus influenza type b). While, the DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus) and Hepatitis B are already part of the national routine immunization programme, the union government has recently added the protection against Hib. The combination together is called pentavalent. The centre had recently introduced the vaccine in Haryana, Goa, and Pondicherry after Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

From The Times Of India

Media Engagement In Haryana To Bring Mass Awareness Around Pentavalent Vaccine

The role of media is well established when it comes to reach and connect to the masses, the most effective tools of bringing mass awareness around any issue. Therefore, engaging media is always considered as an important requisite while initiating something novel especially pertaining to public health interventions, like vaccination.

Considering the fact, state of Haryana, the first in north India to launch pentavalent vaccine as part of state immunization programme, in association with UNICEF and National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) organised a workshop to engage health editors from local and national media.

The media engagement workshop around pentavalent vaccine was highly acclaimed among the fraternity; it not only helped them understand the concept, rationale and logic of pentavalent vaccine in Indian setting but also allowed them to clarify their doubts and queries around it.  

Engaging journalists at grass root level is crucial to counter biased reporting in cases of Adverse Effects Following Immunization (AEFI). Reporting, not based on scientific validation, could lead to panic and lack of trust among the masses. On the other hand, if the writer is well aware of the issues revolving around the vaccine, he or she can actually help in saving the endeavor from getting off the track.

The role of the media professional, in this case, would be to go beyond just providing information and extend to creating an acceptance among the masses by informing and engaging them.

Puducherry Launches Pentavalent Vaccine In The State Immunization Programme

Puducherry launches pentavalent vaccine in the state immunization programme

UNICEF and GHS conduct media engagement with the media in partnership with Government of Puducherry and NRHM

Puducherry, January 11, 2013: The Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Puducherry will be soon launching the pentavalent vaccine in all four districts of the state. After its successful launch in Tamil Nadu and Kerala in 2011, pentavalent vaccine will be rolled out in the state, which provides protection against five life threatening diseases Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B and Hib (Haemophilus influenza type b). The vaccine is likely to cover 22,000 children (birth to one year).

On the occasion, the Government, UNICEF and Global Health Strategies (GHS) conducted a pre-launch engagement programme with the state and national media. The representatives from the media houses were provided key information on the safety and efficacy of the vaccine through a participatory and consultative process.  Shri G Ragesh Chandra IAS, Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Government of Puducherry and Dr K V Raman, Director Health and Family Welfare, Government of Puducherry in the presence of­ Dr. Chandrakant Lahariya of WHO and paediatricians from Puducherry engaged with media persons.

“Pneumonia is the leading cause for under-five child mortality in India. This is an important step by the Government to ensure that preventable deaths caused by pneumonia and meningitis are addressed,” said Chandrakant Lahariya, RI & New Vaccine Focal Person, WHO.

Dr. K V Raman added, “The decision to use the pentavalent vaccine will result in tremendous logistical conveniences. Since five vaccines are stored in a single vial, a lot of space will be freed up for storage and transportation. Also, a single auto-disable syringe will be used instead of three per child, thereby substantially reducing the plastic and sharp waste as well. We are happy to partner with UNICEF and GHS in this engagement programme with media which can play an important role in dispelling myths and misconceptions associated.”

Mr. Kaushik Bose, Senior Manager, Global Health Strategies said “These vaccines are available in the private market for a long time and those who can afford them can protect their children. However the vaccine should reach the population that needs them the most. By introducing pentavalent vaccines in the state immunization programme, the Government of Puducherry will save lives of many more children, who would not have access to this vaccine otherwise. We congratulate the Government for the progressive steps taken for the children in Puducherry.”