ITANAGAR, Jan 28: Health & Family Welfare Special Secretary, Dr Tapasya Raghav on Sunday launched the Intensified Pulse Polio Immunization (IPPI) campaign in the state by administering polio drops to a child at the Borum health sub-centre in Papum Pare district.
Speaking after launching the immunization programme, Dr Raghav, who is also the mission director of the National Health Mission, expressed appreciation for all the mothers who brought their children to the polio booth for vaccination.
She also highlighted the Measles Rubella Vaccination Campaign (MRVC) which will be launched on 1 February, targeting children aged 9 months to below 15 years.
Dr Raghav encouraged the mothers and the public present on the occasion to voluntarily participate in the MRVC in order to achieve 100% immunization coverage on time.
She asked the district health authorities to organize routine outreach sessions at religious centres and institutions.
Later, Dr Raghav interacted with the mothers and clarified their doubts and misconceptions with regard to the IPPI and the MRVC.
Family Welfare Director Dr Kabang Lego spoke on the effectiveness of the polio vaccine. Stating that oral polio vaccine has no side effects and is used all over the world to protect children from polio, Dr Lego advised mothers to get their children vaccinated against the polio virus.
Earlier, Papum Pare DMO Dr Subu Tasso Kampu highlighted the district’s preparedness for the IPPI and the MRVC.
Representatives from the WHO and the UNICEF, and health officials of the district were present during the launch programme.
Reports of launching the first round of the IPPI campaign were received from various districts.
In East Siang, Deputy Commissioner Tamiyo Tatak launched the IPPI drive by administering polio drops to a child at the Bakin Pertin General Hospital, Pasighat, in the presence of DMO Dr M Perme and medical superintendent Dr YR Darang.
Around 4000 children were immunized on the first day and house-to-house survey and immunization will be carried out on Monday for the left-out children, informed Dr Perme.
Altogether 127 booths have been set up throughout the district to immunize approximately 7,400 children, he said.
The IPPI campaign was also launched in Changlang on Sunday. The immunization drive was carried out jointly by the Changlang battalion of the Assam Rifles and the district hospital.
Around 105 children were given polio drops at Yongchik check post and 1 Mile bus stand.
The immunization drive was also carried out in various other villages, such as Old Changlang, Laktong, Kuchep and Rangatu.
According to district hospital sources, the district continues to be polio-free. (With DIPRO inputs)
