Jaipur: Children between 12-23 months at higher risk

Children aged between 12 and 23 months in the state capital Jaipur may face increased risk of contracting infectious diseases as every one out of five of them is not fully immunized receiving the vaccines for BCG, measles, and 3 doses each of polio, and DPT. As per PCTS (pregnancy, child tracking & health services management system) with 79.75 per cent children fully immunized, those outside the vaccination coverage are at an increased risk of contracting deadly infectious diseases including tuberculosis, measles, and polio. 

When it comes to full immunization coverage (FIC) in the state, medical district Jaipur (II), mostly rural part of the district, lays down at the bottom of the list of total 34 medical districts with 73.72 per cent achievement of annual estimated level of achievement. Jaipur (I) in the list stands at 24th with 83.25 per cent achievement. With this figure of FIC, Jaipur stands even below than the districts like Banswara, Pratapgarh, Baran, Dholpur, Karauli and Pali. 

Earlier in last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called the states to achieve the target of 90 per cent full immunization coverage by December 2018, but state of Rajasthan could not meet this target as by the end of the year 2018, only 85.97 per cent of FIC target could be achieved. Only 10 districts in the state have achieved 90 per cent or more target of FIC and Bundi is the only district where more than 100 per cent estimated level of target has been achieved.

“The children who were not immunized face an increased risk and may pave way for wider prevalence of infectious diseases. They are also likely to die at a very young age,” Dr Satyen K Hemrajani, HoD & senior consultant, Neonatology at Fortis La Femme said. “Immunization is a dependable tool that controls and eliminates life-threatening infectious diseases and prevents an estimated 2 to 3 million deaths annually. It is one of the most cost-effective health investments, with proven strategies that allow its access to the most remote and vulnerable populations. With clearly defined target groups, immunization can be delivered effectively through outreach activities, and vaccination does not require any major lifestyle change,” he added.

ACHIEVE THE TARGET

PM Narendra Modi had called the states to achieve the target of 90 per cent full immunization coverage by December 2018, but state of Rajasthan could not meet this target as by the end of the year 2018, only 85.97 per cent of FIC target could be achieved. 

DOWN AT THE BOTTOM

When it comes to full immunization coverage (FIC) in the state, medical district Jaipur (II), mostly rural part of district, lays down at the bottom of the list of total 34 medical districts with 73.72 per cent achievement of annual estimated level of achievement.