A high-level meeting was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Lawngtlai on Tuesday to review preparedness and preventive measures against the possible spread of measles from neighbouring Bangladesh.
The meeting, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Donny Lalruatsanga, focused on strengthening surveillance and ensuring timely interventions to safeguard the district, which shares an international border with Bangladesh.
Addressing officials, Lalruatsanga highlighted the seriousness of the situation, noting that more than a hundred lives have reportedly been lost due to measles in Bangladesh.
He stressed that proactive preparedness and timely preventive measures are crucial to prevent the disease from entering the district.
Given Lawngtlai’s proximity to the international border, he urged both authorities and the public to remain vigilant. He emphasised that children below the age of five are particularly vulnerable and called on parents to ensure the timely administration of the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine.
He also directed the concerned departments to issue advisories in advance to strengthen preventive mechanisms.
The Deputy Commissioner further called for heightened vigilance in border villages and urged community leaders to actively support awareness and prevention efforts.
He noted that common symptoms of measles include fever, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rashes, and advised that anyone exhibiting such symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
Health officials informed the meeting that both district and block level task forces are actively engaged in monitoring and prevention efforts. The administration assured that coordinated action involving Village Councils, NGOs, churches, and the public would continue to be strengthened.
Senior Chief Medical Officer Dr Lalmuanawma Jongte said vaccination remains the most effective safeguard against measles and stressed the need to achieve over 95% MR vaccination coverage. He said the vaccine is administered in two doses, between 9–12 months and 16–24 months of age.
He also noted that measles is a highly contagious airborne disease, and that surveillance has been intensified across the district. Rapid Response Teams have been activated at Primary Health Centres and Community Health Centres, while mobile vaccination teams are on standby. Adequate stocks of MR vaccine and Vitamin A are currently available, he added.
Dr Lalhlimpuii from the World Health Organization (WHO) said measles cases had been reported in Lawngtlai during January and February last year, but no fatalities were recorded due to timely intervention. She pointed out that incomplete vaccination remains a concern and said efforts are being intensified to address the gap. No cases have been reported so far this year, she added.
District Immunisation Officer Dr Remlalnghaki presented data on MR1 and MR2 vaccination coverage for children under one year of age, along with HPV vaccination data for the period between April 2025 and March 2026.
While MR1 coverage remains satisfactory, MR2 coverage is relatively low, and targeted efforts are underway to improve uptake. She also noted that special initiatives are being carried out to strengthen HPV vaccination coverage.
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