Positive news of the day : 'Kashmir village becomes India's first to achieve 100% vaccination'

As India continues its fight against corona virus, little achievements are important to keep us motivated. Owing to an efficient inoculation strategy, Weyan village in Bandipora district has created a national record of vaccinating every adult in the village.

During the process, the health workers overcame unique challenges. The remote village is located 28 km away from Bandipora town and 18km have to be covered on foot. There is no internet connectivity which meant residents could not book their slots or come to the centers. Thus, health workers set afoot to reach each one of them.

"There is no well defined route and it is a dangerous trek. But we did not rest until the last eligible person got the vaccine dose.", said Dr Bashir Ahmed Khan, Chief medical officer of Bandipora.

Moreover, Mr Khan told that the residents of the villagers are 'Bakerwals'(tribes that shift their settlement along with their cattle). They would thus move to the still farther ranges of the mountains as the summer progressed, making it more important to reach them in time.

The village owes this achievement to the Jammu and Kashmir model, a 10 point strategy to achieve complete vaccination at a faster rate. The micro planned model includes inoculation booths, vaccination on wheels, teaching sessions and involving media and police to alleviate vaccine hesitancy.

State Immunization Officer Dr Shahid Hussain appreciated the dedicated healthcare workers of Kashmir "who were ready to work even during holidays and weekends."

At present, complete vaccination in the age group of 45 plus has been achieved in 9 districts of the union territory including Shopian, Bandipore, Ganderbal, Baramulla, Budgam, Jammu, Poonch, Rajouri, and Samba. 66% of all people above 45 years are vaccinated in Kashmir, which is more than double the national average.