Lanka’s immunisation programme a tremendous success - Health Minister

Sri Lanka’s immunisation programme is the most successful among other health programmes during the past four years, Health and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said.

The Ministry has taken several steps to promote the health sector by strengthening the family health service and promoting maternity and childcare in rural areas, the Minister said. He was addressing a ceremony to open a building of the Family Health Bureau, recently. With World Bank assistance the Ministry has spent Rs. 40 million for this project.

Minister said during the last four years Sri Lanka has been maintaining the lowest infant and Child Mortality Rate. Maternal Mortality Rate and Low Weight Birth Rate in the region. Sri Lanka’s Infant Mortality Rate was 140 in 1945. But, now it has reached to nine.

The National Immunisation Programme is the most successful during the period. Under the management of the Family Health Bureau, the Ministry promotes several health campaigns in urban and rural areas. As a result, BCG and Triple vaccination is 100 per cent, Polio 03 vaccination is 98 per cent and Measles vaccination is 90 per cent successful, the Minister pointed out.

Sri Lanka’s Maternal Protection and Care ratio is better than any other developing country. According to the latest health indicator in Sri Lanka, the lowest Maternal Mortality Rate per 100,000 of child birth is 24. the Infant Mortality Rate per 1000 child births is nine. Low Weight Birth Rate is 20 per cent. The usage of the Family Planning methods is 74 per cent, the Minister said.