KOHIMA, FEBRUARY 27: Nagaland Health and Family Welfare Department (HFW) today launched the National Intensified Pulse Polio Immunization (IPPI) programme.
Launching the campaign during the formal programme, Principal Director of HFW Dr Neikhrielie Khimiao administered the first dose of polio drop at Urban Primary Health Centre (UPHC) Seikhazou, Kohima.
In his address, Dr Khimiao said Nagaland has gone through a hard time combating the COVID-19 while explaining that virus is an organism, which even the world over is unable to find a concrete answer.
Nonetheless, he said that the immunization process has brought about a change in the lives of millions of people against the polio virus.
Expressing that Polio has been eradicated from the country, Dr Khimiao however said “we cannot be complacent because neighbouring countries still have the polio infection and there is a lot of transit with these countries”.
Chief Medical Office Kohima, Dr Vezokholu Theyo, chairing the programme informed polio booths were arranged throughout the State for the day while the door to door campaign would be conducted from Monday.
The IPPI campaign is being conducted with an objective to achieve hundred percent coverage of oral polio vaccination, she said, adding that the polio drops are safe and effective in providing protection against the paralyzing polio virus.
It aimed to immunize children through improved social mobilization, plan mop-up operations in areas where polio virus has almost disappeared and maintain a high level of morale among the people, she said.
State Immunization Officer Dr Ritu Thurr delivering the welcome address said a total of 9,906 health-workers, along with 441 supervisors are carrying out the immunization drive in 2206 booths to immunize 1,51,458 children between 0-5 years of age.
In Dimapur, the IPPI was launched by ADC, Dimapur, Temsuwati Longkumer by administering the first two drops of polio vaccine to a beneficiary.
During the brief inaugural function, Dr. Rebecca, District Programme Officer, UIP/RCH in her opening remarks stated that India had the last case of polio in 2011and in 2014 India has been certified as ‘Polio Free’ by the World Health Organization.
She, however, stated that IPPI is being carried out every year as the neighboring countries such as Pakistan and Afghanistan are still polio endemic countries. Therefore, to maintain the ‘Polio Free’ status, one must continue to immunize our 0-5-years children with polio vaccine. She further stated that the achievement was due to the tireless support of various NGOs, Local Authorities and the communities and also due to the diligence of the health workers, ASHAs and AWWs. 530 booths have been set up across the district during the Booth Day (Sunday). Health workers will continue to immunize those left of children during their house-to-house visits.
Temsuwati appreciated the efforts of the Department, NGOs, local bodies, ASHAs and AWWs for achieving such a feat and continuously motivating and mobilizing the public to be immunized. He further urged them to continue their work and continue to protect and immunize our children not only from polio but also from other deadly diseases.
Earlier the function, invocation prayer was delivered by Rev. Yhunlo Thong, Chaplain, DHD. The function was attended by Dr. Moatemjen, CMO, Dimapur, Dr. Antoly, Deputy CMO, Dr. Nyan Kikon, Nodal Officer, IDSP, Nagaland, Dr. Kavito Zhimomi, DSO, Dimapur, Dr. Benchilo, DTO, Dimapur and staff under CMO, Dimapur.
At Shamator, Intensified Pulse Polio Immunisation drive was conducted on Sunday, the first since it was accorded district status.
Medical staff vaccinated children under 5 years of age and spread awareness among the participants. Dr. Mhathung, MO of Shamator, thanked DC and SP for their encouragement.
The immunisation was held at PHC Shamator and in all health centres across the district.
In Tuensang, the Medical Superintendent of District Hospital, Dr. Kuotsutho launched the IPPI by administering two drops to a child.
Dr. Thungchanpani Patton, DPO, UIP & RCH, reported that 242 polio booth centres were set up across the district to cover 13,672 targeted children in the age group of 0 to 5 years.
The team members will continue the activity for two more days through house-to-house visits.
(Page News Service)
