Dimapur, January 28 (MExN): The first round of Intensive Pulse Polio Immunization (IPPI) for 2018 was launched in Nagaland on January 28. Polio drops were administered to eligible children from 0 to 5 years throughout the State. Dimapur: In Dimapur, Dr. K Vikato Kinimi, Chief Medical Officer launched the programme by administering the first two drops of polio at District Hospital Dimapur.
Dr. Rebecca, DPO (UIP/RCH) in her address informed that since 2011 India has been declared a “Polio-Free Country” due to the efforts of not only the health workers but also NGOs and volunteers. However, IPPI is still being carried out across the nation as neighbouring countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh etc are still getting fresh polio cases and thus the chances of importing fresh polio virus from these countries are still high, she noted.
She appealed to the gathering not to become complacent but continue immunizing the children so as to keep them protected. Dr. Rebecca further urged the health workers to continue putting in efforts and make sure no child between 0-5 years is left unimmunized.
Dr. K. Vikato Kinimi also reiterated the importance of polio vaccination. He encouraged the health workers, all NGOs and volunteers to continue working hard as their efforts today will protect the children in the future.
Kiphire: District Task Force Kiphire launched the IPPI at District Hospital Kiphire. Speaking at the event, Mohammed Ali Shihab, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Kiphire urged all the allied departments to make the vaccination drive a coordinated effort for a successful outcome. “We need to remain vigilant for re-infection from neighbouring countries, although India has already been declared polio-free,” he cautioned. The DC further stressed it should not remain only a government’s task to keep a check but the community should also aid in tackling various elements that negatively affect the society.
Dr. K. Pewezo Khalo (DPO, UIP&RCH) highlighted the activities undertaken under IPPI in India and appealed to the allied departments and civil societies to participate more and aid the government in the various activities to be conducted in future.
The first polio drops were administered by the Deputy Commissioner. Kohima: The IPPI was launched in Kohima by Director of Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Vikeyie Losu at Naga Hospital Authority, Kohima (NHAK).
In a brief address, State Immunization Officer (UIP) Dr. Visasieü Kire said the Department of Health & Family Welfare is all geared up to administer polio drops to over 2.3 lakhs eligible children from 0-5 years throughout the state. He informed that 2274 polio booths across the state would be manned by 9096 health personnel and 455 supervisors. Special focus will be given to migrant population with an aim to prevent importation of polio cases, it was informed.
The officials from H&FW, NHAK and other officers also administered polio drops to the children. The officials informed that health workers throughout the state will conduct house to house administering of polio on January 29 & 30. With 236 polio booths and 4 mobile transit teams, Kohima district has to administer polio drops to 36,000 children, they stated. The department sought the cooperation of all sections of people, agencies, organizations, churches and community leaders to ensure that all eligible children receive the “two drops of life” (polio drops).
Mon: Mon district launched the first round of IPPI targeting 35,565 children under 5 years. The drive started with first polio drops given to a new born baby at the District Hospital by Deputy Commissioner of Mon, K. Thavaseelan (IAS). The polio drops in the district were administered through 338 booths. Transit booths were set up near important bus stations, market areas and all the wards. Along with the supervisors, 1350 volunteers were mobilized to administer polio drops, where Konyak Baptist Church Mon youths were also a part of the team.
Peren: The launching programme of IPPI in Peren was held at Jalukie Local Baptist Church compound with Smita Sarangi (IAS), Deputy Commissioner of Peren as the chief guest.
The DC exhorted the parents to be well informed about child immunization and not put their children at risk due to their ignorance about importance of immunization. Informing that all vaccines are provided free by the government, she said the free services given by the government must be valued by all and as responsible parent, all must avail the opportunity to make their children fully immunized.
Dr. Khrielasanuo, DPO-UIP RCH Peren in her keynote address said the number of targeted children below 5 years in Peren is 13,433. Though the government and the department are committed in the fight for polio eradication, unless the stakeholders and public actively participate and support, the programme will not give the desired result, she stressed. She urged all stakeholders to take responsibility and create awareness to the public “because the fight against polio is the responsibility of all individuals and not just the department.”
Dr. Tiala Longkumer, Deputy CMO of Peren highlighted last year’s district performance and urged all to actively participate in IPPI 2018 to achieve 100% immunization. Altogether, 153 polio booths, 3 transit sites and 5 mobile teams were set up in Peren district with 450 health workers including AWW, ASHAs, IRBs and Assam Rifles assisting in the booths.
Tuensang: In Tuensang district, 1,250 vaccinators, 50 supervisors have been mobilized for 247 polio booths to cover over 27,553 estimated children below 5 years. The Chief Medical Officer of Tuensang, Dr. Pangjung Sangtam acknowledged all the allied departments and public for their cooperation.
Wokha: Dr. Enrithung, Chief Medical Officer administered the first polio drops in Wokha at the CMO office premises. Targeting a total population of 17,590 children (0-5 years) in the district, 160 polio booths, 5 transit teams, 1 mobile team were set up along with 30 supervisors who were detailed for intensive monitoring and supervision.
State external supervisor for Wokha district Dr. Kika Longkumer, Deputy Director (Planning), H&FW visited polio booths in Chukitong block and the urban booths. House to house visit will be conducted on January 29 & 30 in both the urban and rural areas.
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