NEW DELHI, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- Around seven million children in southern Indian state of Telangana would be provided vaccine to prevent them from measles and rubella diseases, officials said Thursday.
The vaccination program was rolled out across the state on Thursday with the aim to provide vaccine to the children aged between nine months and 15 years.
"The aim is to eliminate measles and curb instances of rubella in the state," a health official said. "The state government has taken up the programme as part of the Central government's second phase campaign to eliminate these two diseases from the country."
The campaign was launched by local health minister Lakshma Reddy at a school in Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana.
"The minister appealed parents of children below 15 years and teachers to ensure their children are vaccinated against these two diseases," a government spokesman said.
"The state government has made elaborate arrangements to ensure all children falling under the targeted group should get vaccination."
According to WHO, measles is a highly contagious viral disease, which affects mostly children. Initial symptoms include high fever, runny nose, bloodshot eyes, and tiny white spots on inner side of the mouth. Rubella too is a contagious disease and symptoms include generally mild viral infection.
The campaign will continue until September 25, officials said authorities have procured sufficient stocks of vaccine and transported it to primary health centers for the convenience of people.
