The deep prejudice against the vaccination drives and resulting relapse of various eliminated or easily preventable diseases in few parts of the country has become a matter of worry for the policymakers . Let us take a look at the presumably ignored challenges and progress of reach out efforts so far
The deep prejudice against the vaccination drives and resulting relapse of various eliminated or easily preventable diseases in few parts of the country has become a matter of worry for the policymakers . Let us take a look at the presumably ignored challenges and progress of reach out efforts so far
BY RAHUL KOUL ( Inputs by Sayoni Rautela )
Is the recent case of reemergence of Diptheria in Malappuram district of Kerala a wake-up calls for the health policy makers ? A disease that was thought to have been eliminated years ago , has suddenly sent alarm signals to concerned authorities . Although there are many underlying factors that are responsible for this , it is surprising that these were perhaps not taken too seriously earlier .
Diphtheria is a bacterial infection affecting the membranes of the throat and nose . If left untreated , diphtheria can cause severe damage to kidneys , nervous system and heart . Although it spreads easily , the silver lining is that the diphtheria can be prevented through vaccines . Notwithstanding this fact , the sixty-two diphtheria cases were reported from different parts of the two districts of Kerala within few weeks of July , 2016 . Seventeen of them were confirmed positive and two children died .
In the Indian context , there are many socio-economic and social factors that play a role in the success or failure of any health campaign . What makes it more complicated is when the certain sections try to bring in the religious beliefs to stop the vaccination . Even the freedom of choice under constitution too is being quoted by them to justify their viewpoint .
Delhi has witnessed the highest number of diphtheria cases in 2014 out of a total of 4,071 cases in India . Also , 104 deaths in 2014 were reported due to diphtheria , while Delhi also had the highest number of deaths at 60 . Haryana recorded the second highest diphtheria cases at 663 . However , it was West Bengal that saw the second highest number of deaths at 10 . Assam recorded the third
Although it spreads easily , the silver lining is that the diphtheria can be prevented through vaccines . Notwithstanding this fact , the sixty-two diphtheria cases were reported from different parts of the two districts of Kerala within few weeks of July , 2016 . Seventeen of them were confirmed positive and two children died .
highest figure of cases at 506 , followed by Maharashtra at 444 .
Kerala fights anti-vaccination forces
While it can ’ t be denied that there are health officials who have been ignoring this self-harming resistance to educate people about the benefits , it is equally true that not all the areas have been covered in such conditions . Many radical Muslim organizations in the state are reported to have allegedly distributed pamphlets that cautioned the community against the vaccination , calling it a ploy to kill the children . Quite ridiculous but true , such kind of propaganda is very difficult to counter and few times even skipped by health officials .
Several organizations , including the Indian Academy of Pediatrics , Indian Medical Association , and Ethical Medical Forum , as per reports , have been preparing the ground to move legally against anti-vaccine lobby leader , Mr Jacob Vadakkanchery , who had publicly challenged the health officials , including Minister K . K . Shylaja , to take action against him .
“ Many vaccination workers don ’ t want to get into any kind of arguments with the religious preachers as it is a sensitive issue . Even politicians too try to stay away from this as it might hurt their constituencies . However , there is a need to rise above all this and try to sensitize such people by organizing community dialogue ,” mentioned a senior official associated with various health programmes . “ Shouldn ’ t it be implemented without any such hurdles in a democratic set up like India ?” he asked rightly on the basis of anonymity .
Kerala ’ s opposition leader , Mr Ramesh Chennithala urged the government to carry out a statewide awareness drive , coordinating various
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