Mawryngkneng MLA Pyniaid Sing Syiem today pushed for vaccination of children while calling for “old mindsets” that promoted fear and superstition to be discarded.
Syiem said this while attending the launch of the District Intensified Mission Indradhanush 4.0 at Sohryngkham Neng as chief guest. The programme was organised by the office of the District Medical & Health Officer.
Speaking on the occasion, Syiem, according to a press release, said that mothers should come forward and avail the benefits provided to them by the government. Vaccines provided to them and their children are critical for their overall wellbeing, he said, and the MLA encouraged parents to “get rid of the old mindset where fear, misconceptions and superstitions play a big role in the low turnout of vaccination administration and institutional deliveries.”
State Immunisation Officer, Dr P Manners, informed that the central government identified three districts in the state – East Khasi Hills, East Garo Hills and West Garo Hills – where the mission was needed because of low turnout during vaccination drives among pregnant mothers and children.
She also stated that due to the Covid-19 pandemic over the last two years, mothers had been reluctant to come forward in administering vaccines to their children for fear of being infected, hence the Intensified Mission Indradhanush 4.0 has been planned to reach out to unvaccinated and partially vaccinated children and pregnant women.
