MORE than 228,890 children aged between 1 to 19 years have been immunised in the central, western and northern divisions as part of the National Meningococcal (Men C) Immunisation Program.
The program was coordinated by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.
According to a media statement issued from Government, the MenC Immunisation also continues in the eastern division where 20,000 children aged between 1 to 19 years are being immunised.
The Health Ministry has also advised the general public that MenC Immunisation is safe, effective, and saves lives.
“Families are advised to familiarise themselves with the symptoms of the meningococcal disease and practice proper hygiene to prevent it from spreading. Men-C is treatable when caught in its early stages, but early detection is key to survival.
“If there is any sign of suspected meningococcal disease, immediately go to a health facility to be assessed,” the statement read.
In the statement, Minister for Health and Medical Services Rosy Akbar also acknowledged all the nurses, community health workers, health staff, village leaders, teachers and communities who have been part of the National MenC Immunisation Program.
“Sincere appreciation has also been conveyed by Minister Akbar to all the donor agencies, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) New Zealand, World Health Organisation, UNICEF and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for their support,” the statement read.
“The Health Minister has also thanked all the parents and guardians for providing the consent for their children to be immunised.”
Apart from conducting the MenC Immunisation in schools and health centres, the immunisation teams led by the Ministry’s Family Health Unit continue to boldly overcome the geographical challenges to deliver the MenC immunisation in hard to reach villages and settlements.
The MenC Immunisations teams who have overcame the odds by braving the unexpected weather conditions to deliver the vaccines in remotest locations have described their experience as challenging yet empowering.
Subdivisional Medical Officer Tailevu, Dr Ilisapeci Lasaro has commended the MenC Immunisation team who aspired to reachout to some of the remotest villages and settlements in Tailevu.
The teams also achieved MenC immunisations in 31 primary schools 7 secondary schools within Tailevu, with more than 9707 children aged 1 to 19 years have been immunised.
