UNICEF launches immunization drive in TN, Kerala

New Delhi, Jan. 2. (PTI): The UNICEF has launched a massive campaign on an emergency footing to immunize about 115,000 children against measles and vitamin-A deficiency in Tsunami-hit areas of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

"Measles is a deadly threat to children living in crowded camps. It spreads quickly, killing children, or severely weakening their immune systems. Those children are then too weak to fight off other diseases," said Marzio Babile, UNICEF's Chief of Health in India, today.

100,000 children in Tamil Nadu will be immunized in Tamil Nadu, one of the worst-hit areas, and 15,000 in Kerala during one-week period, she said.

The decision to go ahead with an immunization campaign, which would be conducted at relief camps in 11 districts in Tamil Nadu and three districts of Kerala, was taken by the by Central and the state governments with support from UNICEF and WHO.

Source: The Hindu