DODA, Aug 13: Under the guidance of Director Health Services Jammu, Dr. Poonam Sethi, a one-day Capacity Building Programme-cum-Training on the Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPD) Programme was organized at Govt Nursing College, Doda, by the District Surveillance Unit (IDSP), District Health Society Doda, on Thursday.
The training programme was aimed at enhancing the knowledge, skills and capacities of healthcare workers involved in immunization and disease surveillance, including Medical Officers, vaccinators, MLHPs, cold chain handlers and other stakeholders, with a focus on strengthening VPD surveillance, early detection, reporting and appropriate response.
The programme was inaugurated by SSP Doda Kartik Shrotriya, in the presence of CMO Doda Dr. Vinod Sharma, Dy. CMO Doda Dr. Sat Lal Manhas and DHO Doda Dr. Raj Kumar Sharma.
In his welcome address, CMO Doda 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 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 Dr. Raj Kumar Sharma, DHO Doda, 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.
Dr. Imran Zaffar, Senior Resident, Department of Community Medicine, GMC Doda, 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.
Dr. Sat Lal Manhas, Dy. CMO Doda, 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 virtually attended by Dr. Rashmi Singh, SSO IDSP, Jammu Division, and Dr. Prem Lata, DNO IDSP Jammu, who 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.
Addressing the gathering, SSP Doda Kartick appreciated the efforts of the Health Department in organizing the capacity-building programme and 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.
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.