District Level Workshop on tOPV to bOPV Switch was held on March 14, at IDSP conference hall, Mokokchung.
Speaking as the resource person, SMO WHO Dibugarh, Dr. B. Bora enlightened the gathering about global scenario and polio end game strategy. He also highlighted on the National Switch Plan, which is to be initiated on April 25 all over the country, and online tracking of tOPV, bOPV and IPV.
The synchronized global switch from tOPV to bOPV would affect both the routine immunization delivery systems and the supplemental immunization activities, he added.
Globally, polio cases have reached an all-time low, and type 2 poliovirus (one of three) has already been eradicated. While informing that Oral Polio (OPV) has been the primary tool, however, in rare cases, OPV induces paralysis, Dr. Bora said that the World Health Assembly endorsed the phased withdrawal of OPV and introduction of inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) into childhood routine immunization schedules in 2013.
He also informed that type 2 OPV will be withdrawn through a globally synchronized “switch” from trivalent OPV (all three types) to bivalent OPV (type 1 and 3).
DPO (RCH & UIP) Dr Temsuyanger explained the objectives, roles and responsibilities of the workshop.
Earlier welcome speech was delivered by Dr.S.S Akaba Longchar CMO, Mokokchung.