Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 10 December 2024
A three-day training programme for Medical Officers on the Revised Routine Immunisation Handbook 2024 was successfully conducted from December 4 to 6 at AYUSH Hospital. Organized by the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) and the State Immunisation Unit in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the initiative aimed to enhance the participants’ knowledge and skills in immunisation practices.
The training focused on strengthening the capacity of Medical Officers to deliver effective immunisation services, improve coverage, and ensure compliance with national and global immunisation standards. Key themes included technical proficiency, policy updates, and overcoming challenges in immunisation campaigns.
A total of 26 Medical Officers from various health institutions across the Islands participated in the programme. They received orientation on critical topics such as the revised national immunisation schedule, data management, U-WIN and EVIN platforms, vaccine-preventable diseases, surveillance, cold chain and logistics management, and reporting protocols.
The training was facilitated by experts from WHO, UNDP, and the State Immunisation Unit. As part of the hands-on approach, participants visited a vaccination center to observe ground-level operations, including cold chain maintenance and record-keeping practices.
The programme concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony and a closing address, highlighting the critical role of Medical Officers as change agents in achieving immunisation targets. The training not only equipped the officers with practical knowledge but also enhanced their problem-solving capabilities, inspiring them to lead immunisation efforts in their respective areas.