In a determined move to strengthen public health and protect future generations, Odisha’s Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling has launched a comprehensive set of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials to fast-track the state’s Measles and Rubella (MR) elimination programme.
Launch Held During World Immunisation Week 2025
As reported by aninews, the launch took place at the Directorate of Public Health in Bhubaneswar as part of the state’s observance of World Immunisation Week 2025, celebrated globally from April 24 to 30 under the theme: “Immunisation for all is humanly possible.”
Speaking at the event on Tuesday, Minister Mahaling reaffirmed the state’s unwavering commitment to eliminating Measles and Rubella by 2026, in alignment with India’s national immunisation goals.
Odisha Leads the Nation in Full Immunisation Coverage
Praising Odisha’s achievements in child healthcare, Mahaling proudly shared that the state has recorded a 90.5% full immunisation coverage. This is the highest in the country, according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5).
“This is a direct result of the relentless efforts of our healthcare workers, community engagement, and strong coordination across government departments,” he said.
Immunisation as a Lifesaving Priority
Minister Mahaling highlighted that immunising children and pregnant women remains the government’s topmost priority, calling it “the most cost-effective and life-saving public health intervention.”
“We must ensure that no child is left behind,” he urged. “Together, we can and must create a future free from vaccine-preventable diseases.”
Multi-Departmental Collaboration for MR Elimination
The Minister stressed that the success of the MR elimination campaign hinges on cross-sectoral collaboration. Key departments—including Health & Family Welfare, Women & Child Development, School & Mass Education, ST & SC Development, Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water, Housing & Urban Development, and Information & Public Relations—are already working in close coordination at the state, district, and block levels.
Community Engagement at the Heart of the Campaign
Mahaling also called for active participation from parents and caregivers. He urged involvement from Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, PRI members, community leaders, NGOs, SHGs, and civil society. He urged everyone to mobilise grassroots action to spread awareness and ensure widespread immunisation.
“Let us unite as one community to make Odisha a Measles-Rubella free state,” he said. “Together, we can become a shining model of public health excellence for the entire country.”
Celebrating India’s Immunisation Milestones
The event also paid homage to India’s historic immunisation victories—including the eradication of smallpox in 1977, the country’s Polio-free status since 2014, and the elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus in 2015.
Senior Health Officials Attend the Ceremony
Key health officials attended the launch. The attendees included Dr. Nilakantha Mishra, Director of Public Health. Also present were Dr. Tapas Kumar Patra, State Immunisation Officer, and Binod Bihari Das, Private Secretary to the Health Minister. They were joined by senior officers from the Department of Health and Family Welfare.