State Workshop on Transition to case based Measles Rubella Surveillance System

Chandigarh, 9th September, 2018:State Workshop on Transition to case based Measles Rubella Surveillance System in the State in coordination with WHO – NPSP team was held today under the leadership of Dr. G. Dewan, Director Health and Family Welfare cum Mission Director – National Health Mission. The purpose of the Workshop was to disseminate the operational guidelines and framework to implement the smooth transition to case based model in UT, Chandigarh. 

India has set a goal of measles elimination and rubella/congenital Rubella Syndrome Control by 2020. As part of key elimination strategies, the country needs to transition to a case based surveillance system, where all states and union territories will move from the existing outbreak surveillance mode to a move intense and sensitive case-based measles-rubella surveillance system. Chandigarh has already achieved the goal of 97% during Measles Rubella Campaign in 2017. 

Dr. G. Dewan, Director Health & Family Welfare cum Mission Director – National Health Mission reiterated the commitment of Prime Minister for 100% immunization in the country and asked all to join hands in achieving this target for Chandigarh. He appreciated efforts of all in bringing about 100% results in Routine immunization till date and motivated all of keep up the pace and accuracy of reporting for sustaining this achievement. Regarding MR surveillance he said that this system will be built on the already existing platform of laboratory supported MR surveillance and will be scaled up across the country with technical assistance from WHO- NPSP.

 Dr. Ratnesh Murugan, WHO Country Office India - Delhi  made a presentation and said this transition will help in timely detection of even low levels of measles and rubella transmission, also in responding timely on the ground, active cases search and case management with Vitamin A for reducing morbidity and mortality. In addition, MR surveillance data generated on state specific epidemiology will guide future immunization strategies across the country including planning for supplementary immunization activities. According to WHO estimates, 35% of global measles deaths in 2011 occurred in India. In 2013, India committed to a goal of measles elimination by 2020. Laboratory supported case based measles surveillance is an essential component of measles elimination strategies. 

State Immunization Officer, Health Department, UT Chandigarh said that Universal Immunization Programme is a flagship programme of Honorable Prime Minister and time and again, Govt. of India is stressing upon 100% coverage of immunization for which UT Chandigarh has already achieved it for Routine Immunization. She brought the prevailing figures of Immunization to the fore and sought a commitment from the participating Medical Officers of getting 100% coverage of Immunization for all vaccine preventable diseases.

Dr. R. K. Ratho, Professor and Head Virology – PGIMER, Representatives from PGIMER, WHO, GMCH 32, Medical Officers and staff from Health Department participated in the workshop.