The first phase of Intensive Pulse Polio Immunization Programme (IIPI) will cover 2.30 lakhs of eligible children of 0-5 years group in 11 districts across Nagaland from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.
National Health Mission (NHM) mission director Dr. Sukhato Sema informed Nagaland Post that the programme will be launched officially at Naga Hospital, Kohima with Principal Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, M. Patton administering the first dose of OPV to a kid while DC Kohima, Rolavituo Mor IAS administering the second drop to another child at 8 a.m.
Officials of State Directorate of Health and Family Welfare (DoHFW) made almost all preparation to conduct the programme in 2,308 polio booths to be manned by 9,232 vaccinators and 462 supervisors along with workers of various non-government organisations (NGOs).
The second round of IIP will be conducted on February 21. DoHFW, has made an appeal to all sections of the people, government and non-government agencies, including police and the security forces, organizations, churches and community leaders and especially parents of children below 5 years to come forward and ensure that all eligible children receive the ‘Two Drops of Life’ (Polio Drops) on January 17. It will be followed by house to house visit on January 18 and 19. This time special focus will be given to migrant population with an aim to prevent importation of polio cases to the state.
‘Lets us together gift our children a ‘Polio Free World’, said Dr. Sukhato said.
It may be mentioned here that India has remained free of wild polio cases since January 2011 and its unprecedented progress against polio has led to certification of South East Asia by WHO in March 2014.
However, India remains at high risk of importation till the whole world is free of wild polio virus. As per the recommendations of the India Expert Advisory Group (IEAG) on Polio, NIDs are to be conducted covering all the children in the age group 0-5 years of age using OPV.
In Dimapur, DC Kesonyu Yhome has taken all measures for successful implementation of the programme in the district.
A total of 512 immunisation booths have been set up in various locations of the district for administering pulse polio to the children. Altogether 102 supervisors and 2,048 volunteers will be engaged in the programme.