According to Child Health Division (CHD), under Department of Health Services (DoHS), the program is designed to cover all the children, including those who have been missing regular vaccines. [break]
A study conducted by the office in the past shows that only 87 percent children across the country have been receiving all the vaccines.
"Our study shows that only 40 districts across the country have above 90 percent coverage rate," said Giriraj Subedi, chief of immunization section at the CHD. The National Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) also shows that out of total children, three percent do not receive even a single dose of vaccine. It is believed that a lot of children in the country have been dying due to the diseases that are preventable by the use of vaccines.
Subedi said that children will get all kinds of vaccine in the special program. The office said that massive awareness will be created using all possible means of mass communication.
The CHD has been organizing such program from the last three years. The office said that immunization data will be analyzed to find sensitive areas. "Special focus would be give to the sensitive areas," Subedi added. He said that the service will be provided through health institutions, outreach clinics and mobile clinics.
According to CHD, apart from the several districts in Tarai region, the coverage rate is poor in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur. The government has committed to ensure over 90 percent immunization to achieve its target under the Millennium Development Goal.
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