Shillong, September 10: Meghalaya has reported 236 cases of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) in the past two years, with 89 cases detected in 2023-2024 and 147 cases in 2024-2025. This was informed by Minister-in-charge of Health and Family Welfare, Ampareen Lyngdoh while replying in the Assembly today.
Lyngdoh said that the JE vaccine is part of the universal immunization program for children aged 9-11 months and 16-23 months. The government has recommended universal coverage in areas with high prevalence of mosquito-borne diseases.
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She highlighted the importance of awareness and intersectoral meetings between departments and districts to prevent the spread of JE. The minister assured that the government is taking the disease seriously and has designated labs for surveillance.
She mentioned that the department is reviewing the need for designated labs in every district and working on enhancing manpower, including microbiologists, to support surveillance and testing.
Lyngdoh attributed the fewer cases in Garo Hills compared to Khasi and Jaintia Hills to higher vaccination coverage in Garo Hills. She emphasized that vaccination is key to prevention and urged all members of the House to encourage citizens to take vaccination.
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The minister assured that the government is working hard to combat JE and is taking steps to enhance surveillance, testing, and awareness. She mentioned that the government is sponsoring candidates to address the shortage of manpower in areas where JE cases are high. Lyngdoh reiterated that the lower number of JE cases in Garo Hills is due to higher vaccination coverage in the region.
Vaccination coverage in Garo Hills districts is significantly higher, ranging from 80 per cent to 95 per cent (East Garo Hills 80 per cent, North Garo Hills 84 per cent, South Garo Hills 92 per cent, South West Garo Hills 93 per cent, West Garo Hills 95 per cent), compared to East Khasi Hills, which has a vaccination coverage of 71 per cent, and Ri Bhoi, which has 82 per cent. Lyngdoh emphasized that vaccination is key to prevention and urged citizens to take vaccination to protect themselves.
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The minister assured that the government is working hard to break down misconceptions about vaccination and encourage citizens to get vaccinated. She also urged members of the House to support the government’s efforts in promoting vaccination.
Referring to the data, the minister assured that the government would enhance coverage to the maximum to prevent the spread of the disease
(Newmai News Network)