DIMAPUR — Along with the rest of the country, Intensified Pulse Polio Immunisation (IPPI) programme was launched across Nagaland in all the districts on Sunday.
Phek: In Phek, the IPPI programme was held at District Hospital, Phek, wherein the first polio drops were administered by the deputy commissioner, John Tsulise.
In order to totally eradicate poliomyelitis, the DC said that the community needs to participate, support and immunise all children. Tsulise appealed to the community to encourage and motivate others to take polio drops.
A DIPR report stated that a total of 205 polio booths were set up across the district, targeting to immunise all the children from 0-5 years of age. The healthcare workers carried out house-to-house visits to administer polio drops to those children who could not come to the booths.
Longleng: In Longleng, the IPPI programme was launched at NST Junction.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. S Imnameren Phom, DPO (RCH/UIP), informed that 66 immunisation booths have been set up in Longleng district and encouraged all citizens to cooperate so that no child is left behind.
The deputy commissioner and chairman of DHS Longleng, Dharam Raj, stated that polio destroys the future of the children and urged all stakeholders and citizens to cooperate and eliminate polio.
It informed that door-to-door immunisation would be conducted on March 4 and 5.
Mon: District Health Society, Mon, launched the IPPI at District Hospital, wherein the first polio drops were administered by the chief medical officer (CMO) of Mon, Dr. Imnapokim.
Dr. Wungyong, DPO (UIP and RCH), informed that though India is free from polio virus, the country still needs to take preventive measures as there are reports of polio cases in neighbouring countries. He informed that a total of 20,306 children are expected to receive the polio drops during the three-day campaign.
Dr. Longri Kichu, consultant of Reproductive, Maternal, Child Health and Adolescents (RMCHA), advised the mothers to immunise their children on time.
A total of 238 booths were set up across the district.
Wokha: In Wokha, the first polio drops were administered by Dr. Zubenthung Kikon, chief medical officer (CMO), at the premise of CMO office in Wokha town in the presence of district immunisation officer, medical staff and beneficiaries.
Dr. Thungchanpeni Patton, DIO Wokha, informed that a total of 193 polio booths have been set up and 40 supervisors would monitor the polio activities in the district. She further stated that the district would try to achieve the target of 10,890 beneficiaries.
Accredited social health activists (ASHA), Anganwadi workers and healthcare workers at various health centres administered polio vaccine to the children.
Zunheboto: The IPPI programme at the office of the CMO in Zunheboto was launched by SDO , Robbi Sangtam, where he encouraged the public to come forward to create awareness as the immunisation programme is being conducted to eradicate polio for good.
Dr. Heto Swu, DPO (UIP and RCH), delivered the keynote address, while Dr. J Hokugha Sema, deputy director (Planning) of Health department and observer for the district, spoke about the national programme.
Dr. Hokugha Sema, Dr. Mhonchan Kithan, DPO (NCD), and Dr. Heto Swu administered the polio drops to the beneficiaries.
Tuensang: The EAC of Tuensang, Zerutso Kesiezie, launched the IPPI by administering two drops of pulse polio to a child at Tower Clock junction in Tuensang town, in the presence of Dr. Imtijungshi Aier, DPO (UIP and RCH), state monitoring team, JSI communication officer, Roseline, district supervisors and other healthcare workers from CMO office.
Dr. Imtijungshi informed that 155 polio booth centres were set up across the district to cover 8,190 estimated children.
Mokokchung: The launch of IPPI programme in Mokokchung was held at Imlong Place in Mokokchung town.
The CMO of Mokokchung, Dr. Kibangkumba, stated that the Government of India continues to launch polio programme to maintain the polio free status. Report stated that S Arenla Longkumer, president of Watsu Mungdang, administered the first polio drops.
The district’s total target was 5443 children to be covered in 214 IPPI booths.
Kiphire: The IPPI campaign was launched at District Hospital, Kiphire, by D Robin, additional deputy commissioner (ADC), while the keynote address was delivered by Dr. Kolhitso Khalo, deputy CMO.
The district plans to vaccinate more than 5,000 children in the age group of 0 to 5 years across the district.
Peren: The launch of IPPI programme was held at Jalukie Town Local Baptist Church, wherein Rajesh Monsang, PO, UNDP, inaugurated the event and administered the first polio drop.
In her keynote address, Dr. Supongmenla Walling, DPO (RCH & UIP), stated that though India was polio-free, there still exists polio in few countries and could return. Therefore, to ensure the child’s complete protection, she stated that polio vaccines are given to maintain its victory over polio. She motivated the parents and healthcare workers to be an ambassador to create awareness about the different activities carried out by the Medical department.
Ndazeung Hingleu, children co-ordinator of JTLBC, read the Bible and invoked God blessings.
Peren district expected to cover 6975 children in 155 booths.
