Intensive Pulse Polio Immunization Programme launched in Nagaland

The department is targeting to administer polio drops to all eligible children up to five years throughout the state in 2,274 polio booths manned by 9096 health personnel and 455 supervisors along with vaccines and other logistics.

Kohima: The Nagaland Health and Family Welfare Department recently launched the first round of 'Intensive Pulse Polio Immunization' programme.

Principal Secretary of Health and Family Welfare, I Himato Zhimomi, administered the first two polio drops to an infant at Bakin Pertin General Hospital marking the launch of the three-day vaccination programme to sustain polio eradication drive.

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"The department is targeting to administer polio drops to all eligible children up to five years throughout the state in 2,274 polio booths manned by 9096 health personnel and 455 supervisors along with vaccines and other logistics," said Naga Hospital Managing Director, Dr Thorhusie Karity.

Dr Dimong Padung, Nodal Officer of National Health Mission (NHM), Nagaland told the nwnow, “The State has so far achieved 52 per cent immunization out of 15295 targeted children as per available data till Sunday evening. Reports from many of the areas are also awaited due to connectivity challenge,”

Special mobile and transit teams were deployed in multiple areas to cover the high risk and transit areas in the state. Healthcare providers and volunteers would be conducting house-to-house visits to check whether any eligible children have been left out during the booth day will be administered the polio vaccine, Dr Padung further informs.

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More than 17 crore children below five years across the country will be given oral polio vaccine (OPV) drops as part of the central government's drive to sustain polio eradication from the country.

The deputy commissioner, Dr Kinny Singh instructed DMO to monitor the role of entrusted paramedical staffs as their active participation and coordinated efforts could dramatically improve the immunization percentage.