Bhubaneswar: The state government has initiated steps for implementation of the measles-rubella vaccination drive from January 29.

As many as 1.25 crore children below 15 years will be covered during the five-week campaign.

"We plan to eliminate measles and control rubella by 2020," said joint director (child health) at health and family welfare department K.K. Das.

He added that the state had chalked out a robust plan to cover all children in one go. "Two weeks have been planned for vaccination in schools and community health care centres, while the missed out children will be targeted for vaccination in the last one week," he said.

Odisha is the 10th state to introduce the new measles-rubella vaccine in the country. The state has sought 1.40 crore vaccines. Measles vaccine has been a part of the routine immunisation programme in Odisha with the coverage of around 88 per cent, while rubella will be introduced for the first time.

"Measles and rubella are preventable by vaccine. Gaon Kalyan Samitis and schools will play a major role in achieving the target," he added.

Three outbreaks of measles and six of rubella have been reported in Bhubaneswar this year, while Tangi also reported a measles outbreak.

The health and family welfare department has also formed a five-member rapid response team to monitor the work of auxiliary nurses and midwives, accredited social health activists (Asha) and other paramedics during the drive to vaccinate children between nine months and 15 years.

All paediatricians have been requested to put up posters regarding the vaccination programme in their hospitals and clinics and also inform the parents about the drive.

Salary on hold

Sukinda block education officer has held up the pay of five teachers of three state-run primary schools under Kaliapani educational circle of Sukinda block in Jajpur. Narayan Chandra Das made a surprise visit to Kusumdiha Primary School and checked the attendance register of schoolteachers. He found headmistress Leela Soren and assistant teacher Hrudananda Pradhan absent unauthorisedly on Wednesday. Later, he visited the Mahulkhal Primary School and marked one assistant teacher, Sita Hembram, was absent. He also visited the nearby Ransola Primary School and found headmistress Champa Soren and one of the assistant teachers, Prabhati Dehury, absent.