Bhubaneswar: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday flagged off a state-wide measles-rubella vaccination campaign.

The programme will cover around 1.13 crore children across the state in the next two months.

Measles and rubella are two viral diseases that are among the major causes of morbidity and mortality in children. Measles is a serious illness affecting children below 15 years of age. Rubella is a viral illness and more than 90 per cent infections seen in India are among children less than 15 years of age. Rubella infection in early pregnancy can result in spontaneous abortion, birth and serious birth defects.

Naveen said: "With the co-operation from the public at large, the vaccination programme can be successful. Earlier, the state had done well in the mass vaccination programmes. This time also, we will be able to do it."

Health minister Pratap Jena said the vaccination campaign would continue till March 26 and cover children aged between nine months and 15 years.

The measles-rubella vaccine is being introduced in the state for the first time in the immunisation programme.

"All districts are ready to implement the campaign. An additional fund of Rs 5 crore has been sanctioned from the state budget for the purpose," said an official.