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Low immunization levels in U.P. causing concern: Unicef

Lucknow: Low levels of immunization in Uttar Pradesh are resulting in the resurgence of diseases like diphtheria and whooping cough in children, a Unicef sponsered study says.

This was disclosed during a Unicef presentation titled “Routine Immunisation - Bitter Facts” here on Saturday.

While immunization levels were less then 20 per cent in 36 districts of the state, they were estimated at between 20-40 per cent in 39 districts, the study said.

“Sadly, it is only in five districts of Uttar Pradesh that routine immunization touched 40 percent,” said Yogesh Govil, professor in paediatrics at the King George’s Medical College here.

“This is in sharp contrast to Tamil Naidu, where the immunization level is 92 per cent and in Karnataka, where it stood at 84 per cent,” he said.

According to Prof. Govil, “Six vaccinations for diphtheria, whooping cough, polio, tetanus and measles were not merely essential but the birthright of every child.”

Lamenting that lack of immunization was resulting in resurgence of these diseases that often proved to be fatal, he said. “All these six vaccinations cost less then Rs.5 but they provide the child with an armour of health.”

“We got 107 cases of diphtheria in our hospital but could only save 41. Sixty-six children lost their lives because somebody somewhere did not think it important that the child was given the vital and necessary vaccination for diphtheria,” Prof. Govil said. Urging the media to come forward and help in focusing the attention of the masses on the issue, Govil linking routine immunization with the pulse polio programme could make all the difference to children’s health and well being across the state. --IANS

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