Dimapur, January 29 (MExN): The first round of Intensive Pulse Polio Immunization (IPPI) was conducted across Nagaland on January 29. Children aged between 0 and 5 years were administered polio drops at designated immunization booths.
The programme was launched in Dimapur district with Deputy Commissioner Kesonyu Yhome administering the first two drops of polio at District Hospital Dimapur (DHD) along with his wife in the presence of Dr. Kinimi, Chief Medical Officer, Dr. CW Tungoe, Medical Superintendent, DHD.
During the brief launching function, Dr. Lanuakum, DPO (UIP/RCH) informed that 512 polio booths and number of mobile teams were set up across the district today to cover 53,167 children aged 0-5 years. Pointing out that India has been declared Polio Free since 2014 by WHO, he however stated that Dimapur being a major transit point, the influx of immigrant population still poses a risk for the district and the country as a whole. Therefore, he stressed on the importance of maintaining the resistance of polio in the district.
Kesonyu Yhome, Deputy Commissioner also reiterated the importance of polio vaccination and acknowledged that the large scale polio immunization programme could be carried out due to the efforts and team work of all medical staff and allied departments along with volunteers in the district, informed a press release. Rev. Yhunlo Thong, Chaplain, DHD dedicated the programme with a prayer. The function was attended by Dr. Antoly, Deputy Chief Medical Office, Programme Officers, Nursing Superintendent, Projector Officer (UNDP) and doctors and staff under District Hospital and CMO Dimapur.
Mokokchung district conducted the first round of IPPI under the theme ‘Fulfil our promise’. The inaugural programme was held at Imlong Place, where Dr. SS Akaba Longchar, Chief Medical Officer, Mokokchung administered the first drops of polio. He said polio is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. Children younger than 5 years old are more likely to contract the virus than any other group, therefore it is very important to give the two drops of polio to each and every child, he stated. The CMO also pointed out that the Government of India is trying its best in eradicating polio from all over the nation. He encouraged the different departments, NGOs etc to work together for a free polio country. The programme was chaired by Dr. Temsuyanger, DPO (RCH&UIP), who informed that house to house visit will be conducted on January 30 and 31 for those who missed the polio drops today. The programme was attended by Dr. Kibangkumba, Deputy CMO, UNDP, Red Cross Society, Rotary Club, NGOs and staffs from DIO.
Meanwhile, in Tuensang district, the programme was carried out by the Tuensang District Health Society. It was launched by Alemjongshi (NCS), Deputy Commissioner and Dr. Temsu Longchar, DPO (UIP&RCH), Tuensang. A press release from Dr. T Pangjung Sangtam, Chief Medical Officer, Tuensang informed that 1,250 vaccinators and 46 supervisors have been mobilised for all the eight blocks of the district to cover over 27,552 estimated children below 5 years. Meanwhile, 267 polio booths were set up in the district. The Chief Medical Officer acknowledged all the allied departments and public for their co-operation.
The launching of IPPI was held in Peren at District Hospital with Additional Deputy Commissioner, Tianu administering the first polio drops. She maintained that for a healthy society and family and to make a better future for the children, it is important that everyone extends their full contribution and support in administering the polio drops. She also called upon everyone to maintain healthy lifestyle. Meanwhile, Dr. Khrielasanuo, DPO RCH/UIP mentioned that though the population in the district is less, the area to be covered is more thus making it difficult for health workers for coverage. She thanked everyone for their dedication and support in carrying out the task and also reflected on last year’s achievements.
A press release from District Media Officer, CMO office, Peren informed that the target population (0-5 years) for Peren district is 13,294 and the booth coverage on January 29 was 6,782. There were 105 polio booths set up across the district, including 4 Medical Mobile Units. With a motive to reach out to every household, teams were sent out to every part of the district ensuring that no child is left out, she added. The house to house visits will continue till January 31. 
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