GUWAHATI: Assam is set to launch an extensive Pulse Polio immunisation campaign on June 28, targeting nearly 45 lakh children below the age of five across the state.
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Although India was declared polio-free more than a decade ago, the country continues to conduct intensive immunisation drives to prevent any risk of poliovirus transmission or importation. National Immunisation Day (NID), popularly known as Polio Sunday, remains a crucial public health initiative to ensure every child receives protection through the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV), in addition to routine immunisation doses.
As part of this year’s nationwide Pulse Polio Programme, around 24,000 vaccination booths will be set up across Assam to administer OPV to eligible children on June 28.
Following the booth-based vaccination drive, health teams will conduct intensive house-to-house visits on June 29 and 30. Vaccination activities will also be carried out at mobile transit points such as bus stations and marketplaces, as well as in high-risk areas including brick kilns and urban slums. Mobile health teams will reach children who may have missed the vaccine on the booth day.
To ensure the success of the three-day campaign, the state will deploy nearly 92,000 health officials, staff members and frontline workers. Personnel from the School Education Department and the Women and Child Development Department will also assist in implementing the drive across all districts.
Appealing to parents and guardians, Health and Family Welfare Minister Ashok Singhal urged them to ensure their children receive the life-saving two drops of polio vaccine during the campaign.
The minister said the Health and Family Welfare Department, in coordination with District Commissioners, has made comprehensive arrangements for the smooth conduct of the programme. He also called upon all sections of society to support the initiative and help ensure that every child in the 0–5 age group is vaccinated, thereby safeguarding the country's hard-earned polio-free status.