Intensified Pulse Polio Immunisation (IPPI) was launched in Nagaland on January 31 and will close on February 2. For the next two days, house to house visits will be carried out to track all those children who missed the vaccination on the first day. Prior to launching of IPPI, district sensitisation workshop and distribution of logistics and vaccine was held. Prior to launching day, information education communication (IEC) activities in the form of banners & posters were put up in public places. Miking was carried out in all the prominent places at district headquarters. Church platforms were also utilized to disseminate the information and seek support.
Dimapur: First two drops of polio was administered by deputy commissioner (DC) Dimapur Rajesh Soundararajan, during a brief launching programme held at CMO’s office Dimapur.
519 booths across Dimapur will be set up to administer polio droplets to 43,355 children between ages 0-5. A press release by DPO, RCH/UIP, Dr. Rebecca, stated that joint efforts will continue in the years to come and such co-operation will also continue to be extended to other health programmes as well. Other officials present included CMO Dimapur, Dr. Mereninla Senlem, Dy.CMO, Dr. Antoly Suu, DTO, Dr. Benchilo, ZLO, Dr. Heto, Dr. Kheshika, MO (AYUSH), Dr. Sendongyanger, PO, UNDP, Rajesh Monsang and staffs under CMO office and MS office establishments. Programme was chaired by DPO, Dr. Rebecca, and dedication prayer proposed by chaplain, DHD, Rev. Yhunlo Thong.
Wokha: Deputy commissioner Wokha, Orenthung Lotha launched the programme at CMO office Wokha. Lotha lauded beneficiaries for taking initiative to give polio drops to their children. CMO Wokha, Dr. CW Tungoe called upon health care workers to reach target of 11,337 and also follow COVID-19 appropriate behaviour during IPPI activities. A total of 200 polio booths have been set up across the district. DC administered the first two drops of polio vaccine.
Phek: The three-day polio vaccination campaign was conducted at District Hospital Phek. A press release by NHM Phek district media officer, Kutolu Nakro stated that, Phek targets to vaccinate total of 12667 children between the age groups of 0-5 years against polio. Altogether 205 polio booths have been set up across the district. District immunization officer (DIO), Phek, Dr. Kolhitso Khalo briefed the gathering. Earlier, invocation was offered by Rev.T.Alem pastor of Ao Baptist Church Phek Town.
Tuensang: In Tuensang, the deputy chief medical officer Tuensang Dr. G. Viholi Sema launched the programme by administering two drops of pulse polio to a child at Tower Clock Junction, in the presence of Dr. Thungchanpani Patton, DPO (UIP & RCH), Dr. Limawabang ZLO and CMO staff. A press release by CMO office media officer, Apheang stated that, Dr. Thungchanpani Patton reported that 242 polio booth centres were set up across the district to cover 13,385 targeted children in the age group of 0 to 5 years.
Mokokchung: Programme was held at Imlong Place Mokokchung with the target to immunize 7982 beneficiaries in 224 polio booths. A press release by CMO office stated that the programme was officially launched by SDO (C) Mokokchung, Dharan Raj who also administered the first polio drop. Dy. CMO, Dr. Kibangkumba also gave a short speech. DPO (UIP & RCH), Dr. Ayangla Saku chaired the programme.
Longleng: District Health Society (DHD) Longleng launched the IPPI, at NST junction, in presence of deputy commissioner, M Shayung Phom, superintendent of Police Yanithung Ezung, CMO, Dr Obangjungla, deputy CMO Dr Philip Kent, Dr Imnameren Phom DPO (RCH/UIP), representatives from Phomla Hoichem and other well-wishers.
According to DIPR report, Dr Imnameren Phom in his keynote address said that no children below the age of 5 years should be left without immunising. M Shayung Phom urged upon all parents to ensure that their child was given polio and also to sensitize among themselves.
The first Polio drop was administered by DC followed by SP Longleng, CMO, deputy CMO and others.
Short speeches were delivered by SP Yanithung Ezung, representative from Phomla Hoichem, while CMO Dr Obangjungla delivered welcome address and Pastor, GCL, pronounced invocation.
Mon: Mon launched IPPI at chief medical office (CMO), targeting 24740 children.
A press release from NHM, Mon media officer, Leeyan Chemshy stated that in order not to miss out immunisation of any children, 299 regular booths were set up covering 137 villages under Mon district. Invocation was pronounced by chaplin DH, David Konyak, followed by welcome address by Dy. CMO, Dr Limatula Ao. Dr Leamnyei Konyak elucidated on polio and also appreciated and thanked medical team. The first polio drops was administered by DC Thavaseelan K to a new born baby.
Zunheboto: Zunheboto launched IPPI at CMO office, Zunheboto. A press release by CMO office Zunheboto, district media officer, Shekho Sophie, stated that ADC, Hito Sema, inaugurated and administered the first polio drop. ADC motivated the parents and health workers to be ambassador to create awareness about the different activities carried out by the medical department. Keynote address was delivered by DPO (RCH & UIP), CMO, Zunheboto Dr. M. Nukshisangla Jamir. Zunheboto targeted 8495 children by setting up 233 booth.
Peren: IPPI started in Peren district with DPO UIP/RCH, Dr Kiholi Assumi, administering the first polio drop at CHC Jalukie. Booth day was successfully carried out in the whole district with supervising team consisting of 22 members monitoring the whole operation. Altogether, there are 552 volunteers, 138 booths, 22 supervisor involved in carrying out the tasks. Teams were divided involving health workers, Anganwadi worker, ASHAs of every village including the 36 Assam Rifles covering Samzuiram, Lilen, Phaijol, Phangjang, Jalukieram villages under Jalukie block and Ngualong and Bamsai villages under Tening block.
Chümoukedima: Police Referral Hospital Chümoukedima conducted intensified pulse polio immunisation at NPRH cmd. The first drop was administered by Dr N. Adaho CMO, NPRH cmd.
Assam Rifles: Shamator Battalion of Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ IGAR (N) organised polio immunisation programme at border area of Noklak district. The troops of Assam Rifles in coordination with state health authorities conducted the programme at remote villages of Noklak district. The campaign will continue for next two days till February 2.
Kiphire Battalion of Assam Rifles organised immunisation drive in remote border villages of Kiphire district on January 31. The medical teams of the unit in coordination with district medical officials reached out to the remote border villages and immunised the children upto 5 years of age with pulse polio drops in remote villages of Ditanvong, Kuisam, Thongsonyu, Tsundang, Mimi, Longkhimong, Mutingkhong, Kiphire village and Longmatre town. A total of 322 children were immunised.