E-Kantipur

KATHMANDU, JUN 16 - Health professionals have suggested that introduction of three additional vaccinations will go a long way in achieving the health sector UN Millennium Developmental Goals (MDGs) and reducing child and maternal mortalities.

At a programme on "Countdown to 2015 and Sustainable Immunisation Financing," jointly organised by Rotary Club of Kathmandu-North, Sabin vaccine Institute and United Nations Internal Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) on Saturday, they said the present level of financing and eight types of vaccination available in Nepal will be inadequate to achieve UNMDG.

Presently the government of Nepal is providing eight types of vaccinations like Polio, measles, Bacillus Chalmette Guerin(BCG) to children below five years but children are still deprived of three important vaccines namely Rota for diarrhoea, Pneumococus for Pneumonia and Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR), which is challenge in meeting UNMDG.

"Due to the lack of the three types of vaccine in the country child mortality rate is still higher as lots of children are losing their life due to diarrhoea, measles and Mumps," said Dr. Sudhir Dahal, representative from UNICEF. "To meet the goal introduction of three vaccines is of utmost importance."

Now annual investment for immunisation in Nepal is 66,817,967 US dollar which is about 20 percent less than the needed amount. "In fiscal year 2009/10 the budget needed was 24,318,860 while investment was just 20,408,945," said Dr. Pankaj Mehta, chief at National Immunisation Programme. "This has appeared as great a challenge in the way of achieving the goal."

Speaking at the programme Chet Raj Pant, member at National Planning Commission said that apart from immunisation programme and health awareness, nutrition programme is also necessary to reduce the mortality to meet the target.

Giving emphasis on the help from different NGO's and INGO's State Minister of Health, Khadga Bahadur said that sole effort from government will not be sufficient for the target. "The government is doing its best for the target and has planned to increase budget on immunisation in coming fiscal year but we cannot do anything without the help form national and international organisations," said Basyal. "I urge all the civil society organisations to assist and work together with the government."

Posted on: 2010-06-16 02:01

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