Over 155000 children administered with oral polio vaccine in Nagaland

In Nagaland, over 155,000 children in the age group of 0-5 years were administered oral polio vaccine today as part of the nationwide Pulse Polio immunization drive. The state-level launch of the Polio Immunization drive kicked off at the Urban Primary Health Center, Siekhazou in Kohima, where Principal Director of the Health and Family Welfare Department, Dr Ritu Thurr, administered the first two polio drops to a newborn baby girl.

Speaking at the program, Dr Thurr said immunization is one of the most effective methods for preventing vaccine-preventable diseases. He mentioned that the country has 13 vaccine-preventable diseases under the Universal Immunization Programme, launched by the Government of India, and vaccines are provided free of cost by the government. Dr Thurr highlighted that the country’s UIP is one of the largest public health intervention programs globally, targeting approximately 27 million infants and 30 million pregnant women.

Since India received a ‘Polio-free certification’ from the World Health Organization, along with the entire South-East Asia Region in March 2014, the country remains free of polio cases to date. Dr Thurr, however, mentioned that with wild polio virus cases continuing to be detected in neighboring countries, as a precautionary measure and to maintain immunity against such viruses, India provides routine immunization cover to all children. He also informed that the state has targeted 155,000 children and set up 1550 polio booths across the districts. Dr Thurr added that a door-to-door visit will be conducted on March 4 and 5 to ensure that the oral polio vaccine is administered to all children.

IPPI launched in Mokokchung

Launching program of IPPI was held at Imlong Place, Mokokchung on 3 March 2024. Chief Medical Officer, Dr Kibangkumba in the inaugural speech said that the Government of India continues to launch polio programs to maintain the polio-free status of India, implemented in the country since 1995.

S Arenla Longkumer, Watsü Mungdang President administered the first polio drop in Mokokchung.

The district’s total target for children under 0-5 years is 5443 to be covered by 214 IPPI booths.

Intensified Pulse Polio Immunization drive organized in all districts of Nagaland

Intensified Pulse Polio Immunization drives were organized in all the districts of Nagaland today. Dimapur District witnessed a major turnout on the first day of the Pulse Polio Immunization Drive. Polio booths were set up in various parts of Dimapur town in an effort to reach the masses from every corner of the district.

Mon District also conducted mass polio immunization, with the Shantham Ward Youth Organization taking up the challenge of setting up a Polio booth within Mon town. Launching the program in Longleng, Deputy Commissioner Dharam Raj said polio destroys the future of children and called on all stakeholders and citizens to cooperate and eliminate polio.

Wokha district witnessed a successful Pulse Polio Immunization drive today, with the campaign extending to numerous locations across the district and all the villages. Chumoukedima district took a stand against polio as the first day of the Pulse Polio Immunization Drive saw a remarkable turnout at the polio booths set up across the district.

Mokokchung Times