A workshop organized by UNICEF and MoHFW has equipped Media Professionals with tools to counter vaccine hesitancy and encourage vaccine uptake ahead of the launch of India’s Intensified Mission Indradhanush 5.0 campaign.

Media and Health Ministry Collaborate to Combat Measles and Rubella

In a remarkable show of unity and determination, Media professionals and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) have joined forces in the fight against measles and rubella through a capacity-building workshop. This workshop, organized by UNICEF in partnership with the MoHFW, couldn’t have come at a better time, as India gears up for the launch of the Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) 5.0 campaign in the coming weeks.

IMI 5.0 is set to target zero-dose children between the ages of 0 to 5 years, ensuring that no child misses out on life-saving vaccinations. The ultimate objective is to eliminate measles and rubella from the country by guaranteeing that every child under five years of age completes the two-dose schedule of the Measles and Rubella Containing Vaccine (MRCV).

The active participation of over 50 journalists from various states, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, and Manipur, in this workshop demonstrates their commitment to being frontline champions in this crucial campaign. By equipping media professionals with the necessary tools to counter vaccine hesitancy and promote vaccine uptake, this collaboration is vital in ensuring the success of IMI 5.0.

The workshop’s objective was to empower journalists with the essential knowledge and skills required to effectively communicate the importance of vaccinations to the public. By doing so, they will be able to dispel misconceptions and combat vaccine reluctance, promoting the well-being of communities.

This collaborative effort between the media and the MoHFW showcases a proactive approach towards public health. By fostering strong partnerships and leveraging the media’s influential role in society, the campaign against measles and rubella is well-positioned to achieve significant progress in India.

The timely initiative comes at a time when misinformation and skepticism surrounding vaccines pose serious threats to public health. The media’s involvement in dispelling myths and providing accurate information will enable parents and caregivers to make informed decisions for the health and well-being of their children.

This commendable partnership between media professionals and the MoHFW holds promising prospects for India’s vaccination drive. By working hand in hand, they are setting a commendable example of how collaboration between different stakeholders can lead to remarkable and life-saving outcomes.

The workshop’s success lies not only in bringing media professionals together but also in equipping them with the necessary tools to drive positive change in society. The dissemination of credible information through media platforms can empower communities, combat vaccine hesitancy, and pave the way for a healthier future.

This collaborative effort serves as a shining testament to the dedication of those involved in public health and their commitment to safeguarding the well-being of future generations. As these frontline champions take on the challenge of IMI 5.0, it is evident that their relentless efforts will contribute significantly to the elimination of measles and rubella, ultimately ensuring a healthier, more resilient India.

A capacity-building workshop aimed at equipping media professionals with the tools to counter vaccine hesitancy and encourage vaccine uptake concluded here, today. The workshop, organized by UNICEF in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), was held ahead of India’s upcoming launch of the vaccine catch-up campaign, the Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) 5.0 in early August.

IMI 5.0 will focus on reaching zero-dose children aged between 0 to 5 years, ensuring that every child receives life-saving vaccines. The initiative is also intended to be the big leap for achieving Measles & Rubella elimination in the country by ensuring that every child under 5 years of age has completed the two-dose schedule of Measles and Rubella Containing Vaccine (MRCV).

Over 50 journalists from various states, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, and Manipur, actively participated in the workshop.