COVID-19 is a crisis that threatens human health on an unprecedented scale, attempting to undo progress both globally and nationally. Despite the trials and tribulations of the pandemic, the relentless spirit of our frontline workers and scientific community has shown the way forward, a testament to the ‘jazba’ (belief) underlying India’s ‘self-reliance’. I am sure that we will continue the fight against this virus with the same love for ‘Bharat Mata’ to ensure the ‘safety’ of our fellow citizens.
We are grateful to our Prime Minister Narendra Modi for awakening this spirit and encouraging innovation and out-of-the-box solutions to tackle the pandemic. Indigenous development and manufacturing of vaccines in record time again demonstrated the potential of India’s human resources and our scientific potential. These rapid progress and the compassionate leadership of PM Narendra Modi helped vaccinate such a large population to ensure free vaccine supply.
Successful implementation of a program of such scale requires decisive political and executive leadership and tireless efforts of citizens. It is a fitting tribute to the leadership of PM Modi and the efforts of the frontline workers that the nation crossed the 1.5 billion vaccine doses administered, setting a world record of 2.5 crore+ vaccinations, ahead of the first anniversary of our immunization programme. have done it. Process in one day.
With the guidance and support of the Prime Minister through Vaccine Adequacy, Madhya Pradesh is playing its role in getting a large number of people vaccinated. However, it was not without its share of challenges. The task was difficult not only because we had to vaccinate a large number of people scattered over a large area, but also because we had to reduce the fear of people with the assurance of good health. To address the aspirations, we decided to promote citizen participation towards our goal of successful vaccination. For this, we tapped our existing network of crisis management committees and sought the support of community influencers such as religious leaders, trade unions, teachers, patwaris (local record-keepers) and heads of self-help groups to launch a ‘Jan Jagriti Andolan’ . on vaccination.
To reduce the hesitation of vaccination, the administration took several initiatives like vaccinating ASHA workers, ANMs and Anganwadi workers, which in turn instilled confidence in the vaccine among the local people. The administration started traditional ‘khatla meeting’ (cot meetings) with people living in rural areas to allay fear and dispel rumours. Immunization camps were started along with quality training for the deputed staff to ensure seamless coverage and a hassle free experience for the participants.
Also, under the ‘Yuva Shakti Corona Mukti’ campaign, youth components were involved to increase awareness among their families and people around them. His role as a powerful motivator and brand ambassador under the ‘Saathiya’ campaign was commendable as it helped turn the tide in favor of vaccination in tribal areas.
Taking inspiration from the elections, a series of ‘Vaccination Maha Abhiyan’ was planned in different phases to make vaccination a festival of public participation in the state. Started on 21st June, the campaign was a resounding success due to the enthusiastic participation of my fellow citizens, in which more than 16.41 lakh people were vaccinated on International Day of Yoga.
Seeing photos of people standing in queues adhering to COVID protocol flashed with vaccination numbers, encouraging more people to get vaccinated in subsequent campaigns, such as high turnout turnout. Today, more than 96 percent of the adult population in Madhya Pradesh is vaccinated with the first dose.
However, a peculiar challenge arose. After the first dose, vaccination rates declined as the number of cases decreased significantly, with a significant drop in the number of beneficiaries. Thereafter, the administration launched an outreach campaign with the goal of ‘koi na chhute’, reaching the eligible population for the second dose. Beneficiaries were traced and vaccination campaigns became more focused with door-to-door vaccination campaigns.
Driven by our firm belief and the power of ‘Jan Bhagidari’, I am proud to say that we have taken a major step towards ensuring ‘Logo ki Suraksha’ (safety of the people). Percentage of our eligible adult population so far.
Children are the cornerstone of New India. The provision of vaccines to them in such a short span of time is a sign of the untiring efforts of the scientific community and the unwavering support of PM Modi. Children, eligible elderly and frontline workers are being vaccinated in a mission mode in Madhya Pradesh, with more than 70% of the eligible children- children in the age group of 15 to 18 years being vaccinated so far. In addition to this, so far more than 1 lakh 80 thousand people have been given the precautionary dose of vaccines, in this category about 30% of the eligible population has been vaccinated.
As we move towards full immunization for all, I am filled with gratitude to remember the efforts of countless citizens in making India and Madhya Pradesh in line with the vision of our Prime Minister. I am happy that Madhya Pradesh is playing an active role in this ‘Mahayagya’ which inspires the coming generations.
Disclaimer
The views expressed above are those of the author.
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