Experts on Thursday lauded the immunisation campaigns for a dip in the cases of Japanese Encephalitis in the state and stressed on introducing vaccines for pneumonia, diarrhoea and meningitis.

Sharing data at a programme — Childhood diseases and strategies of the state government to deal with the diseases in the state — organised by the State Health Society, health secretary Sanjay Kumar said: “The Japanese encephalitis immunisation campaign over the past few years has resulted in a steady decline in the disease in the state. ”

He added: “This resulted in a significant drop In Japanese encephalitis cases from 199 in 2011 to 40 in 2012 to 25 till September this year in the state. We should look at controlling pneumonia and diarrhoea too. These diseases not only snuff out kids’ lives, these ailments also force children to miss education opportunities on account of being hospitalised. These diseases also take a toll on poor families, pushing poor families into debt.”

Panna Choudhury, paediatrician and vice-president of Child Health Foundation, said: “It is important to address the issue of pneumonia and diarrhoea in India. Without introducing vaccines, India may not be able to meet the United Nation’s Millenium Development Goal of reducing child mortality by two-thirds.”