Lawngtlai, April 15: A meeting was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Lawngtlai to review preventive measures and preparedness against the spread of measles from neighbouring Bangladesh.
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| Officials and health authorities hold a review meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall in Lawngtlai to discuss measles preparedness amid the outbreak in Bangladesh. (DIPR Mizoram) |
The meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Donny Lalruatsanga, who stressed the importance of early preventive actions as the district shares an international border with Bangladesh, where over a hundred deaths have reportedly occurred due to measles.
Highlighting the risks, the Deputy Commissioner urged the public to remain vigilant and emphasized the importance of timely vaccination, particularly for children below five years of age. He also called on relevant departments to issue advisories and strengthen preparedness in border villages to prevent any possible outbreak.
Senior Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lalmuanawma Jongte explained that measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through the air and can cause symptoms such as fever, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rashes. He said vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure and urged parents to ensure their children receive the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine in two doses between 9–12 months and 16–24 months of age.
Dr. Jongte also informed that rapid response teams have been activated at Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs), while mobile vaccination teams are on standby. Adequate stocks of MR vaccines and Vitamin A are available in the district.
Dr. Lalhlimpuii from the World Health Organization (WHO) noted that measles cases were reported in the district last year but no fatalities occurred due to timely intervention. She said no cases have been reported in the district so far this year, although intensified surveillance and vaccination drives are ongoing.
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District Immunization Officer Dr. Remlalnghaki presented data on MR1 and MR2 vaccination coverage from April 2025 to March 2026. While MR1 coverage was satisfactory, MR2 coverage remains relatively low and efforts are underway to improve it. She also highlighted ongoing initiatives to promote HPV vaccination.
The meeting was attended by officials from the Health Department, district administration, representatives of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), WHO, and other stakeholders. The district administration urged village councils, NGOs, churches, and the public to cooperate in preventing the spread of the disease.
