Mokokchung, March 15 (MExN): District Level Workshop on tOPV to bOPV Switch was held on at IDSP Conference Hall, Mokokchung on March 14.
The resource person Dr. B. Bora SMO, WHO Dibugarh, explained about global scenario and polio end game Strategy and National Switch Plan which is to be initiated on April 25 all over the Country and online tracking of tOPV, bOPV and IPV was highlighted.
He said that the synchronized global switch from tOPV to bOPV will affect both the routine immunization delivery systems and the supplemental immunization activities. Globally, Polio cases have reached an all-time low, and type 2 poliovirus (one of three) is eradicated. Oral polio (OPV) has been the primary tool, however, in rare cases, OPV induces paralysis.
In 2013, the World health assembly endorsed the phased withdrawal of OPV and introduction of inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) into childhood routine immunization schedules. Type 2 OPV will be withdrawn through a globally synchronized “switch” from trivalent OPV (all three types) to bivalent OPV (type 1 and 3).
Dr Temsuyanger DPO (RCH & UIP) explained about the objectives, roles and responsibilities of the workshop. Welcome speech was delivered by Dr. SS Akaba Longchar CMO, Mokokchung. The workshop was attended by Dy. CMO, SMOs, MOs, Cold Chain Handlers and staffs of NHM.
