HYDERABAD: The Republic Day celebrations on Wednesday brought another cheer for Karimnagar as it became only the second district in the south after Bengaluru Urban to record 100% vaccination coverage of both doses in the fight against Covid-19.
The pandemic posed a huge challenge to Karimnagar district two yeas ago when positive cases were first detected in March 2020 and the subsequent spike. Karimnagar had also reported first Tablighi Jammat cluster sparking a nationwide controversy.
At the district collectorate, a cake was cut to mark the 100% vaccination. “Yes, I have shared the success story of Karimnagar with other district collectors. I am sure the 100% achievement can happen in all other districts too,” Karimnagar collector RV Karnan told TOI.
Administering the vaccinations, especially among the rural folk, was quite a task. “There was stiff resistance. We had to devise a strategy to involve everyone in this mission,” Karnan said. Community leaders were taken into confidence. They were told they were the pivot. They played a crucial role in convincing people that taking the vaccine was safe. Women’s self-help groups, municipalities, both urban and rural, panchayat raj staff and local public representatives were all involved in the mission.
Karnan and additional collector (local bodies) Garima Agarwal did not let the guard down as they visited PHCS, talked to families in colonies and individuals on the road and motivated them to take the vaccination. When it came to administering the second dose, every individual was reminded about it a day before and the jab was given.
Civil supplies minister Gangula Kamalakar was at hand to acknowledge the contributions made by the district administration in achieving the cent per cent inoculation.
