Wednesday, May 29, 2019

स्वास्थ्य तथा जनसंख्या मन्त्रालयलाई ६८ अर्ब ७८ करोड बजेट

काठमाडौं– सरकारले आगामी आर्थिक वर्षको बजेट सार्वजनिक गरेको छ। संसदमा अर्थमन्त्री युवराज खतिवडाले आगामी आर्थिक वर्ष २०७६/०७७ का लागि सार्वजनिक गरेको बजेटमा स्वास्थ्य मन्त्रालयलाई ६८ अर्ब ७८ करोड बिनियोजन गरिएको छ। 
आगामी आर्थिक वर्षका लागि विनियोजित यो बजेट चालु आर्थिक वर्षभन्दा झन्डै १२ अर्ब बढी हो। चालु वर्षमा स्वास्थ्यले ५६ अर्ब ४१ करोड ९७ लाख बजेट पाएको थियो।
आज सार्वजनिक बजेटमा देशका सबै जिल्लामा स्वास्थ्य बिमा कार्यक्रम विस्तार गर्ने, सामुदायिक विद्यालयका छात्रालाई निःशुल्क सेनेटरी प्याड उपलब्ध गराउने (यो कार्यक्रम भने शिक्षा मन्त्रालयअन्तर्गत रहेको छ), टोल टोलमा नागरिक आरोग्य कार्यक्रम चलाउने, वडा स्तरमा पूर्ण खोप सुनिश्चित कार्यक्रम गर्ने लगायतका छन्।
जनस्वास्थ्य प्रयोगशालालाई विस्तार गर्दै राष्ट्रिय रोग निदान केन्द्र निर्माण गर्ने कार्यक्रम पनि बजेटमा आएको छ। यसका साथै तीन वर्षभित्रमा हरेक प्रदेशमा प्रयोगशाला स्थापना गर्ने कुरा पनि बजेटमा आएको छ।
मातृ तथा बाल स्वास्थ्यका क्षेत्रमा पनि बजेट बढाइएको छ। बलबालिका तथा आमाको पोषणमा सुधार गर्ने कार्यक्रम पनि सञ्चालन हुने बजेट भाषणमा उल्लेख छ।
पाठेघरको मुखको क्यान्सर विरुद्धको खोप कार्यान्वयनमा ल्याइने
आज सार्वजनिक गरेको  बजेटमा पाठेघरको मुखको क्यान्सर (सर्भाइकल) रोकथामका लागि सर्भाइकलविरुद्ध खोप कार्यान्वयनमा ल्याउने उल्लेख छ। सरकारले हरेक प्रदेशको एक जिल्ला तोकि ७ जिल्लाबाट खोप लगाउने व्यवस्था गर्ने जनाएको छ।
हाल चितवनमा यो कार्यक्रम पाइलटिङका रुपमा चलिरहेको छ। 
‘टोलटोलमा नागरिक आरोग्य कार्यक्रम’ 
नसर्ने तथा दीर्घ रोगको पहिचान तथा रोकथामका लागि ‘टोलटोलमा नागरिक आरोग्य कार्यक्रम’ सञ्चालनमा ल्याउने छ।
नेपालमा पछिल्ला वर्षमा मुटु, मिर्गौला, मधुमेह, क्यान्सर जस्ता नसर्ने रोगको भार बढ्दै गइरहेको छ। स्वास्थ्य तथा जनसंख्या मन्त्रालयका अनुसार नेपालमा नसर्ने रोगको भार ६० प्रतिशत भन्दा माथि पुगिसकेको छ। 
अस्वस्थ जीवनशैली, खानपान, मद्यपान, धुमपान, तनाव जस्ता कारण नेपालमा नसर्ने रोगको भार बढ्दै गएको हो। यसका कारण कलिलै उमेरका युवाहरुमा हृदयाघात, मस्तिष्कघात, मिर्गौला फेल, कलेज सिरोसिस जस्ता रोग बढीरहेको छ।
सरकारले समयमा नै नसर्ने रोगको पहिचान गर्ने, रोग लाग्नै नदिने उपायका लागि संघ, प्रदेश र स्थानीय तहको समन्वयमा ‘टोलटोलमा नागरिक आरोग्य कार्यक्रम’ सञ्चालनमा ल्याउन लागेको हो। 
सामुदायिक विद्यालयका छात्रालाई निःशुल्क सेनेटरी प्याड 
देशभरका सबै सामुदायिक विद्यालयमा अध्ययनरत छात्राहरुलाई निशुल्क सेनेटरी प्याड उपलब्ध गराइने भएको छ।
नेपालमा महिनाबारी भएको समयमा धेरै छात्रा विद्यालय जादैँनन्। विद्यालयमा महिनावारी हुदाँ हुने विभिन्न समस्या र लाजका कारण बिचमै पढाइ पनि छाड्ने गरेको अवस्था छ। 
सरकारले यो व्यवस्था लागू गर्न सकेमा धेरै छात्रालाई विद्यालय जान प्रोत्साहन मिल्ने देखिन्छ। तर, यसको सुरुवात र निरन्तरता भने चुनौतिपूर्ण छ। पछिल्लो समय केही विद्यालयले पनि विद्यालयमा सेटेनटी प्याड उपलब्ध गराउने अभ्यास सुरु गरेका छन्।   Source

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

Five things to keep in mind for your menstrual hygiene


Menstruation is one of the vital processes of a woman’s body which deserves utmost caution and self-care. Ensuring proper hygiene during menses, and eating right is the key to ease the pain you go through.Today, on Menstrual Hygiene Day, promise yourself healthy and happy periods with these hygiene tips.

1. Change your sanitary napkin every 4-6 hours-
Changing sanitary napkins or tampons within every 4-6 hours is the cardinal rule to establish vaginal hygiene. Menstrual blood, when released from the body attracts various organisms from our bodies, which multiply in the warmth of the blood, and cause irritation, rashes or urinary tract infections. Changing your sanitary napkin or tampon regularly curbs the growth of these organisms and prevents infections.

2. Wash yourself properly-
Washing your vagina regularly is extremely important, because the organisms cling to your body after you have removed your sanitary napkin. Most people wash themselves regularly, but not the right way–which is, using your hands in motion from the vagina to the anus, not vice-versa. Motioning your hand from the anus to the vagina can lead to the transmission of the bacteria from the anus into the vagina or urethra opening leading to infections.

3. Don’t use soaps or vagina hygiene products-
While using vaginal hygiene products everyday is a good idea, using these products during menses can turn things around. Vaginas have their own cleaning mechanism which comes into play during menstrual cycles, and these artificial hygiene products can hamper the natural process leading to infections and growth of bacteria.

4. Discard the sanitary napkin properly-
Disposing off your tampons and sanitary napkins properly is an important step. Wrap them properly before you throw them away, so the bacteria and infections do not spread. Make sure you don’t flush them, since that will block the toilet causing the water to back up, spreading the bacteria all over it. Washing your hands properly is of utmost importance after you have wrapped and discarded the used tampons and sanitary napkins, since you’re likely to touch the stained area while wrapping them.

5. Stick to one method of sanitation-
Women tend to use tampons and sanitary napkins, or two sanitary napkins simultaneously during heavy flow which is an efficient technique. While it may keep you dry and prevent stained clothes, it can cause infections too. The combination of two techniques absorbs the blood making us oblivious to the need to change our tampons and sanitary napkins. Without frequent change, the accumulated blood invites bacteria and causes infections. So, it is advisable to use one sanitary napkin and change it as frequently as you can during heavy flow. These cardinal rules will help you stay healthy and manage your period better.


Menstrual Hygiene Day (MHD) May 28


Every May 28, Menstrual Hygiene Day(MH Day) raises awareness and combats taboos associated with menstrual hygiene with the goal of enabling women and girls to achieve their full potential.
Globally, more than half of women are currently of reproductive age—and menstruation is a monthly reality. Yet all around the world, many women lack access to menstrual hygiene products or sanitation facilities, either due to limited availability or excessive cost. Myths and stigmas surrounding menstruation cause some women and girls to miss school or work or go into isolation. Women and men of all ages must be made aware of the importance of menstrual hygiene through an open dialogue and education at home and in school to foster engagement with this often unspoken issue.
The theme of Menstrual Hygiene Day 2019—It's Time for Action—not only emphasizes the urgency of this public health issue, but also highlights the transformative power of improved menstrual hygiene to empower the world’s women and girls and unlock their economic and educational opportunities. MH Day brings together non-profits, government agencies, the private sector, the media, and individuals to advocate for and promote the importance of good menstrual hygiene management (MHM). 
USAID’s sanitation programs are designed to meet the specific needs of women and girls. MHM is a critical aspect of addressing women’s and girls’ empowerment by alleviating a major constraint to their participation in education and public life. USAID’s work in this area includes developing design standards for facilities, creating educational resources, promoting the availability of MHM-related supplies, and destigmatizing menstrual hygiene. 
The provision of adequate and safe sanitation can promote equity and opportunity, which, in turn, contributes to the establishment of equality, and the erosion of long-standing discrimination and societal norms that reinforce traditional roles, prejudices, and expectations. USAID activities include promoting and providing supplies for MHM in households and schools, and working with host governments to draft national MHM strategies.


PEP of HIV


Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Public Health Job at HERD International


HERD International, a national research company is seeking experienced and dynamic Nepali applicants for the following positions:

Position: Project Trial Manager
Minimum Qualification and Experience: Masters in Public health with minimum 5 years of Project management with experience in conducting health research; Preferable past experience of conducting a randomized controlled trial (RCT).
Duty Station: Kapilvastu with frequent travel to study sites in both Kapilvastu and Rupandehi districts, as well as periodic travel to HERD International central office.
Period of Service: 26 months

Position: Trial Intervention Manager
Minimum Qualification and Experience:
Masters in Public health with minimum 5 years of project management. Experience in conducting community health research especially using qualitative research methods, preferably with knowledge of Participatory Learning Action.
Duty Station:
Kapilvastu with frequent travel to study sites in both Kapilvastu and Rupandehi districts, as well as periodic travel to HERD International central office.
Period of Service: 24 months

Position: Research Officer
Minimum Qualification and Experience: Master Degree in Public Health or Social Science at least 2 years experience in health research program, preferable in gender equality and social inclusion (GESI). Specific working knowledge on both quantitative and qualitative research methods and analysis using statistical tools is desirable.
Duty Station: Kathmandu
Period of Service: 6 months
Last date to apply: 31 May 2019

For detail information, Terms of Reference and the application procedures please log on to: http://jobs.herdint.com
Applications Submission Deadline: 31 May 2019, 5 pm NPT
HERD International reserves the right to accept and reject applications. Candidates from disadvantaged communities, women and with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Published on Himalayan Times, May 22, 2019

Public Health vacancies in various positions

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH as a federal enterprise supporting the German Government in achieving its objectives in the field of international cooperation. S2HSP is executed by the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) and supported by GIZ on behalf of the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). S2HSP is in line with the Nepal Health Sector Strategy (NHSS) 2015–2020 and aims to improve access to effective and qualitative healthcare services, particularly for disadvantaged population groups in Nepal. S2HSP is focusing on 5 key result areas:
1.      Social Health Protection
2.      Human Resource for Health
3.      Governance in Health
4.      Strengthening Health Information Systems and
5.      Adolescent Health and Development


Technical Advisor – Health Information Systems

Duty Station: Kathmandu
Overview:
For tasks primarily focused on working together with the MOHP, academia, and the private sector for capacity building of a variety of stakeholders in the areas of health information systems)
Responsibilities:
1. Coordinate with stakeholders for capacity development in e-health involving academia and private sector
  • Collaborate with government and non-government stakeholders including MoHP, EDPs, universities and private IT companies to identify cooperation areas for capacity development in e-health system and solution
  • Explore, identify and involve national/international expertise in health informatics for developing curricula/ modules of a course for health informatics
  • Support in designing and developing a health informatics course involving all concerned stakeholders 3GIZ Nepal
  • Support universities in developing partnerships with MoHP and the private sector to provide opportunities to public health/IT graduates to gain experience in digital health
2. Support in the smooth functioning of electronic reporting of HMIS
  • Support the coordination and implementation of the project activities of S2HSP with government partners at all levels and represent S2HSP at different forums
  • Provide technical support and coordination with Integrated Health Information Management Section (IHIMS), Department of Health Services for planning, implementation and capacity development to roll out and maintain e-reporting at all levels
  • Plan and conduct regular monitoring support related activities to S2HSP supported municipality and health facility for continued HMIS data flow
  • Support the development, customisation and piloting of electronic recording of HMIS tool to selected health facility
3. Promote and support the culture of using information for evidence-based decision making
  • Support municipalities and health facilities in visualizing and using data from DHIS2 based HMIS
  • Encourage the use of data quality checking tools at municipality level to assess and improve the quality of data being collected by information systems
  • Work closely with the Governance in Health thematic area of S2HSP to liaison with partner municipalities to promote the use of evidence for decision making and planning
Required qualifications and experience:
  • Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Public Health, Health Informatics, Information Systems, Mathematics, Computer Science or similar At least five years of experience in a position as technical advisor/project manager
  • At least three years of experience of working in public health informatics, monitoring and evaluation, data analysis
  • Experience working in academia to design/develop academic courses would be an asset
  • Strong knowledge of the various information systems in the Nepali health sector
  • Understanding of digital health systems and the requirements for interoperability would be of benefit
  • Demonstrated expertise in managing diverse stakeholders, including from Government of Nepal, and promoting consensus
  • Preferably experience working with international development partners
  • Excellent in communication in both English and Nepali and strong presentation skills

Technical Advisor – Health Information Systems

Duty Station: Kathmandu
Overview: 
For tasks primarily focused on improving data systems for better monitoring of health and health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at both national and sub-national level)

Responsibilities:

1. Coordinate with stakeholders for developing digital health systems that link with the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) system(s)
  • Coordinate with government and non-government stakeholders including MoHP, Ministry of Home Affairs, Department of National ID and Civil Registration, Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration, External Development Partners, sub-national governments, and academia to design standard processes for data flow between health institutions and the CRVS system 4GIZ Nepal
  • Conduct stakeholder analyses to understand the various data systems in use in the health and other social sectors that can contribute to or use data from the CRVS system
  • Liaison with WHO and other stakeholders to identify avenues on integrating standardised birth registration and cause of death data into the CRVS system
  • Liaison with municipal governments, hospitals and ICT experts from GIZ and beyond to establish systems to ensure notification of birth and death directly from health facilities
2. Provide technical support to all levels of government for the effective monitoring of progress towards the SDGs
  • Provide technical support to build capacities at the sub-national level understand the health and health-related SDGs and indicators
  • Provide technical support to ensure data and methodology consistency with national level data through coordination with the National Planning Commission and the Central Bureau of Statistics
  • Develop understanding among various stakeholders of the current status of municipalities/provinces in achieving the SDGs
  • Design systems that use data from a variety of sources to help managers and planners routinely monitor the progress towards SDGs
3. Promote and support the culture of using information for evidence-based decision making
  • Support municipalities and health facilities in visualising and using data related to health and health-related SDGs
  • Encourage the use of data quality checking tools at municipality level to assess and improve the quality of data being collected by information systems
  • Work closely with the Governance in Health thematic area teams of S2HSP to liaise with partner municipalities to promote the use of evidence for decision-making and planning
Required qualifications and experience:
  • At least five years of experience in a position as technical advisor / project manager
  • Strong professional background in informatics, with previous experience of designing and linking multiple information systems
  • Demonstrated previous experience of working with GoN authorities at national and sub-national level
  • Knowledge of the various information systems in the health and other social sectors of Nepal
  • Understanding of the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics system of Nepal and digital health systems would be an asset. Preferably experience working with international development partners
  • Minimally a Masters’ degree in Population Dynamics, Statistics, Demography, Health Informatics, Information Systems, Mathematics, Computer Science or similar.
  • Excellent in communication in both English and Nepalese and strong presentation skills
  • Very good working knowledge of IT technologies (related software, phone, fax, email, the internet) and computer applications (e.g. MS Office)

Technical Advisor – Governance in Health

Duty Station: Dhangadhi, Kailali
Overview:
For tasks focused on supports to the Senior Technical Adviser in the effective implementation of S2HSP programme activities in the area of governance in health and monitoring of Sustainable Development Goals
Responsibilities:
1. Coordinate with stakeholders for developing digital systems that link health information with the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) system(s)
  • Coordinate with government and non-government stakeholders at sub national level (Nepalgunj, Dhangadhi and Godawari municipality) and concerned ministries in Sudur Pashchim Province to assist in designing standard processes for data flow between health institutions and the CRVS system
  • Support to conduct stakeholder analyses to understand the various data systems in use in the health and other social sectors that can contribute to, or use data from the CRVS system
  • Liaison with WHO and other stakeholders to implement systems that record standardised cause of death data and birth registration into the CRVS system at health facilities
  • Liaison with municipal governments, hospitals and ICT experts from GIZ and beyond to establish systems to ensure notification of birth and death directly from health facilities
2. Provide technical support to sub national level government for the effective monitoring of progress towards the SDGs
  • Provide technical support to build capacities at the sub-national level understand the health and health-related SDGs and indicators
  • Develop understanding among various stakeholders of the status of municipalities/provinces in achieving the SDGs
  • Develop and establish systems that use data from a variety of sources to help managers and planners routinely monitor the progress towards SDGs
3. Promote and support the culture of using information for evidence-based decision making and planning at sub-national level
  • Support municipalities and health facilities in visualizing and using socioeconomic data, including health, to create better plans
  • Encourage the use of data quality checking tools at municipality level to assess and improve the quality of data being collected by information systems
  • Work closely with the Digitalization in Health thematic team to design and develop the systems to promote the use of evidence for decision making and planning at local level and province level
4. Support in coordination and implementation of S2HSP activities related to Governance in Health at sub-national level
  • Contribute to S2HSP programme activities to build the capacity of the local government to provide and deliver the Basic Healthcare Service Package (BHSP) across all health facilities by promoting multi-sectoral collaboration and governance
  • Support the local government (Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Chief Administrative Officer, Health Unit) to better manage BHSP services provision and delivery across all providers including private providers, and NGOs
5. Contribute to the RBM and knowledge management of S2HSP
  • Report monthly progress and status of work through the results-based monitoring [RBM] framework 
  • Contribute to the project’s knowledge management 
  • Represent GIZ-S2HSP in meetings and other key events at local and province level and 
  • Provide technical support in other activities of S2HSP when required
Required qualifications and experience:
  • Master’s degree in Population studies, Statistics, Demography, Public Health, Health Informatics, Information Systems, Mathematics, Computer Science or similar
  • At least five years of experience in a position as technical advisor / project coordinator.
  • Strong professional background in Monitoring and Evaluation and informatics, with previous experience of designing and linking multiple information systems
  • Demonstrated previous experience of Local governance working with GoN authorities at national and sub-national level
  • Knowledge of the various information systems in the health and other social sectors of Nepal. 
  • Understanding of the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics system of Nepal, local health governance and digital health systems would be an asset
  • Excellent in communication in both English and Nepalese and strong presentation skills
  • Very good working knowledge of IT technologies (related software, phone, fax, email, the internet) and computer applications (e.g. MS Office)
Applying Procedure
Interested candidates are requested to send a completed application including CV and two referees to the email address s2hsp@giz.de no later than by 05/06/2019. Only applications sent by email will be accepted. 
Please write “Ref. Nr. 19008- Technical Advisor – Health Information Systems” for the position of Technical Advisor – Health Information Systems, Ref. Nr. 19009- Technical Advisor – Health Information Systems” for Technical Advisor – Health Information Systems and “Ref. Nr. 19007- Technical Advisor – Governance in Health”  for Technical Advisor – Governance in Health in the subject line while applying.

Only short-listed candidates will be called for written test and interview. No telephone inquiries will be entertained. The organization reserves the right to cancel or postpone the whole recruitment process without providing any reasons whatsoever.
The salary and social benefits will correspond to the GIZ rule applicable to national staff.Especially women and candidates from underprivileged castes are highly encouraged to apply. 


(Original source of information: Merojob.com)

Monday, May 13, 2019

Job Opportunity - M & E Officer


राष्ट्रिय नेपाली दैनिक- मेचीकाली बैशाख २५ मा प्रकाशित 

Sunday, May 12, 2019

राष्ट्रीय खोप कार्यक्रम -ब्याबहारिक ज्ञान पुस्तिका !

National Immunization Program and FIPV

National Immunization Programme (NIP) is the priority program of Child Health Division and is believed to be one of the successful public health interventions of Nepal. Currently eleven antigens are provided through the routine immunization under National Immunization programme of Nepal.
World Health Organization had initiated a program called Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) in 1974 and many countries started implementing EPI. Expanded program on Immunization (EPI) including BCG, and DPT vaccines in Nepal started in Nepal in 1979 in three districts. However, EPI including BCG, DPT, oral polio vaccine, and Measles was expanded to all 75 districts by 1989 only. Since then, Government of Nepal is providing free immunization services to everyone regardless of their gender, socioeconomic strata without any discrimination. It is one of the accessible services of Nepal and has reached to 97% of the total population. Nepal is believed to be one of the countries recognized for the well functioning immunization system. This is also considered as the most cost effective public health programme.
The Comprehensive Multi Year Plan (cYMP), which is a 5-year plan of action, governs the National Immunization Programme (NIP) of Nepal. NIP is also guided by NHSP II, which focuses on increasing access and utilization of essential health care services to reduce disparities and considers Immunization as a package of free essential health care services. CHD leads all immunization related activities and each district is responsible for the immunization coverage of that particular district.
Goal of CMYP (comprehensive multi year plan 2011-2016)
1. To reduce child, mortality, morbidity and disability associated with vaccine preventable diseases.

Objectives and Strategies of CMYP
Objective 1: Achieve and maintain at least 90% vaccination coverage for all antigens at national and district level by 2016
Key strategies:
1. Increase access and utilization to vaccination by implementing (Reaching every district) RED strategies in every district
2. Enhance human resources capacity for immunization management
3. Strengthen immunization monitoring system at all levels
4. Strengthen communication, social mobilization, and advocacy activities
5. Strengthen immunization services in the municipalities

Objective 2: Ensure access to vaccines of assured quality and with appropriate waste management
Key strategies:
1.      Strengthen the vaccine management system at all levels
Objective 3: Achieve and maintain polio free status
Key strategies:
1. Achieve and maintain high immunity levels against Polio by strengthening routine immunization and conducting high quality national polio immunization campaigns.
2.      Respond adequately and timely to outbreak of poliomyelitis with appropriate vaccine.
3.      Achieve and maintain certification standard AFP surveillance.

Objective 4: Maintain maternal and neonatal tetanus elimination status
Key strategies:
1.       Achieve and maintain at least >80% TT2+ coverage for pregnant women in every districts
2.      Conduct Td follow up campaigns in high risk districts
3.      Expand school based immunization program
4.      Continue surveillance of NT

Objective 5: Initiate measles elimination
Key strategies:
1.      Achieve and sustain high population immunity to reduce measles incidence to elimination level.
2.      Investigate all suspected measles like outbreaks with program response
3.      Use platform of measles elimination for Rubella / CRS control
4.      Continue case-based measles surveillance

Objective 6: Accelerate control of vaccine-preventable diseases through introduction of new and underused vaccines
Key strategies:
1.    Introduction of new and under-used vaccines (rubella, pneumococcal, typhoid, rota) based on disease burden and financial sustainability

Objective 7: Strengthen and expand VPD surveillance
Key strategies:
1.   Expand VPD surveillance to include vaccine preventable diseases of public health concern.
2.    Strengthen and expand laboratory support for surveillance.

Objective 8: Continue to expand immunization beyond infancy
Key strategies:
1. Consider for booster dose of currently used antigen based on evidence and protection of adult from potential VPDs.

The current National Immunization activities are guided by those strategies to meet the objectives set in comprehensive multi-year plan of Nepal.
As an alternative to the intramuscular injection of a full dose of IPV, countries may consider using fractional doses (1/5 of the full IPV dose) via the intradermal route.In the context of an IPV shortage, countries should consider instituting a 2-dose fractional dose schedule, where feasible, which could ensure that all eligible infants receive IPV, is dose-sparing and results in better immunogenicity than a single full dose of IPV. However, the programmatic and logistic implications of this option must be carefully assessed.
A schedule of fractional intradermal doses administered at 6 and 14 weeks ensures early and appropriately-timed protection. The 2 fractional doses should be separated by a minimum interval of 4 weeks. One fractional dose of IPV may be suitable for outbreak response if supplies are limited. Studies have demonstrated that a single fractional dose of IPV (1/5 of the full dose) gives lower seroconversion rates than a single full dose but after 2 fractional doses the rates are similar to those after 2 full doses.
Furthermore, 2 fractional doses of IPV, given intradermally at 6 and 14 weeks provide higher seroconversion rates than a single full dose (intramuscular) given at 14 weeks.
The government has been providing 11 types of vaccines for free under the National Immunization Programme. Every year, two billion rupees is spent on providing the vaccines for around 660,000 children across the country. According to a survey carried out in 2016, immunization programme covered 78 per cent of children across the country. However, another survey carried out in the same year counters that and claims the programme covered 87 per cent of children.
Copied from: publichealthconcern.com