DODA: A one-day Capacity Building Programme-cum-Training on the Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPD) Programme was today organized here at Govt Nursing College.
The District Surveillance Unit (IDSP), District Health Society hosted the event under the guidance of Director Health Services Jammu Dr. Poonam Sethi,
The training programme was aimed at enhancing the knowledge and skills of healthcare workers involved in immunization and disease surveillance, including Medical Officers, vaccinators, MLHPs, cold chain handlers and other stakeholders. The training focused on strengthening VPD surveillance, early detection, reporting and appropriate response.
The programme was inaugurated by SSP Kartik Shrotriya, in the presence of CMO Dr. Vinod Sharma, Dy. CMO Dr. Sat Lal Manhas and DHO Dr. Raj Kumar Sharma.
In his inaugural address, SSP Kartick Shrotriya appreciated the Health Department for organizing the capacity-building programme, He underscored the importance of preventive healthcare and vaccination in protecting communities. He emphasized that effective disease prevention requires coordinated efforts among healthcare professionals, frontline workers, administration and the community.
Earlier, CMO Dr. Vinod Sharma welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of strengthening surveillance mechanisms for vaccine-preventable diseases. He stressed upon the need for timely reporting, proper documentation and coordinated efforts among all levels of the health system to achieve the objectives of the immunization programme.
The inaugural technical session was delivered by Sh. Umar Anayat, Epidemiologist, who briefed the participants about the Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Programme, its objectives, surveillance mechanisms, case identification, notification and the role of healthcare workers in strengthening disease surveillance.
A detailed technical lecture was also delivered by DHO Dr. Raj Kumar Sharma, who highlighted the importance of routine immunization, maintaining high vaccination coverage and ensuring timely identification and reporting of suspected VPD cases. He also emphasized the role of field-level functionaries in preventing vaccine-preventable diseases through effective community mobilization and follow-up.
Senior Resident, Department of Community Medicine, GMC Doda, Dr. Imran Zaffar sensitized the participants on the epidemiological aspects of vaccine-preventable diseases, modes of transmission, risk factors, prevention strategies and the importance of surveillance and outbreak response.
Dy. CMO Dr. Sat Lal Manhas elaborated on the operational aspects of VPD surveillance and immunization services. He stressed upon proper reporting, coordination between health facilities and field functionaries and ensuring that no suspected case goes unnoticed or unreported.
The programme was also attended by Dr. Rashmi Singh, SSO IDSP, Jammu Division and Dr. Prem Lata, DNO IDSP Jammu through virtual mode. They interacted with the participants and delivered technical lectures on the VPD programme. They provided valuable insights into surveillance, reporting mechanisms, case investigation and the importance of timely response to suspected vaccine-preventable disease cases.
The programme provided an interactive platform for participants to enhance their understanding of VPD surveillance, immunization, case detection, reporting, outbreak preparedness and response mechanisms. The participants also actively participated in discussions and raised queries related to field-level implementation.
The training was attended by BMO Assar, BMO Gandoh and BMO Ghat, besides Medical Officers, MLHPs, vaccinators, cold chain handlers and other health staff from across the district.
Faizan A. Tramboo conducted the proceedings of the programme and coordinated the sessions.
The programme concluded with a commitment from all stakeholders to further strengthen Vaccine-Preventable Disease surveillance and immunization services across District Doda and work towards ensuring better protection of the community against vaccine-preventable diseases.
