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Dimapur, Jan. 31 (EMN): As part of nationwide drive to eradicate polio, Nagaland launched the Intensified Pulse Polio Immunisation (IPPI) programme on January 31. An update from the Health department stated that door-to-door campaign would also be carried by healthcare workers and volunteers on February 1 and 2 to ensure that no child is left out of the immunisation programme.
Dimapur: Setting a target to administer two polio drops to 43355 children between the age of 0-5 years in the district, Dimapur launched the Intensive Pulse Polio Immunisation (IPPI) programme in 519 booths on January 31.
The first two drops of polio were administered by the deputy commissioner of Dimapur, Rajesh Soundararajan, during a brief launching programme held at CMO’s office Dimapur.
Speaking on the occasion, the RCH/UIP district programme officer Dr. Rebecca stated that although India has been declared “polio free” since 2014, the government of India continued with the polio programme as few neighbouring countries are yet to eradicate polio.
She further stated that IPPI Sunday have been successfully carried out in the district in the past years due to the co-ordination and support of communities, allied departments, NGOs and the local authorities. She hoped that the joint efforts would continue in the years to come.
Other officials present during the programme included CMO Dimapur Dr. Mereninla Senlem, deputy CMO Dr. Antoly Suu, DTO Dr. Benchilo, ZLO Dr. Heto, Dr. Kheshika, Dr. Sendongyanger, MO (Ayush), UNDP project officer Rajesh Monsang, and staff under CMO office and MS office establishments.
Mokokchung: The IPPI programme in Mokokchung was launched at Imlong Place with a target to immunise 7982 beneficiaries in 224 polio booths in the district.
A report from the office of the chief medical officer (CMO), Mokokchung, stated that the programme was officially launched by Dharan Raj, SDO(C) Mokokchung, who also administered the first polio drop.
In his speech, Raj insisted that two drops of polio be administered to all the children between 0-5 years. “Don’t give a chance for the polio virus to mutate,” he stated.
Also speaking at the programme, the deputy CMO Dr. Kibangkumba stated that India launched the IPPI in 1995 following the global polio eradication initiative of the WHO, which aimed at 100 person coverage to all children between 0-5 years.
Dr. Ayangla Saku, DPO (UIP & RCH), who chaired the programme, stated that healthcare workers and volunteers would carry out the house-to-house visitation on February 1 and 2. (Our Correspondent)
Longleng: The deputy commissioner of Longleng, M Shayung Phom, launched the IPPI programme in Longleng town and also administered the first polio drops to a child at NST junction.
Besides the DC, superintendent of police and the president of Phomla Hoichen exhorted the gathering at the launching program. Dr. Imnameren Phom, DPO (CRCH/UIP), Longleng, proposed the keynote address, while the welcome address was delivered by Dr. Obangjungla, CMO, Longleng.
Invocation was said by the pastor of Gorkha Baptist Church and concluded with the vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Philip Kent, deputy CMO, Longleng.
Mon: IPPI programme in Mon was launched at the office of the chief medical officer (CMO), Mon, with a target to cover 24740 children by setting up 299 booths in 137 villages under Mon district. Besides, 70 supervisors were assigned led by Dr. Leamnyei Konyak as state-level monitor.
The programme began with a word of prayer said by chaplain of DH Mon David Konyak followed with a welcome address delivered by Dr. Limatula Ao, deputy CMO. Dr. Leamnyei Konyak spoke on the occasion.
An update from the CMO’s office stated that the first polio drops was administered by the deputy commissioner of Mon, Thavaseelan K to a new born baby. The programme was chaired by Dr. Shasinle Tep, DPO (UIP&RCH).
Phek: IPPI programme in Phek was launched at District Hospital. The district has targeted to vaccinate a total of 12667 children between the age groups of 0- 5 years and a total of 205 polio booths have been set up across the district.
Speaking at the launching programme, the district immunisation officer (DIO) Dr. Kolhitso Khalo briefed the gatherings on polio eradication programme and acknowledged the contribution of the churches, NGOs and volunteers towards the success of the polio elimination.
Prior to launching day, information, education, communication (IEC) activities in the form of banners and posters were put up in public places. Public announcement was also carried out in all the prominent places at the district headquarters. It added that church platforms were also utilised to disseminate the information and seek support.
Tuensang: The deputy chief medical officer, Tuensang, Dr. G Viholi Sema, launched the IPPI programme in Tuensang by administering two polio drops to a child at Clock Tower junction in the presence of Dr. Thungchanpani Patton, DPO (UIP&RCH), Dr. Limawabang, ZLO, and CMO staff.
Dr. Thungchanpani Patton reported that 242 polio booths have been set up across the district to cover 13,385 targeted children in the age group of 0 to 5 years. He added that the team members would continue the activity for two more days through house-to-house visitation to cover the missed out children.
Wokha: The IPPI programme in Wokha was launched by its deputy commissioner, Orenthung Lotha at the office of the chief medical officer (CMO), Wokha.
Addressing the beneficiaries at the launching programme, Orenthung Lotha stated that unlike other vaccines, polio consisted of only two oral drops to prevent a child from polio virus. He also lauded the parent for taking the initiative to give polio drops to their children.
The DC also administered the first two polio drops in the presence of CMO, deputy CMO, ZLO, beneficiaries and medical staff.
CMO Wokha, Dr. CW Tungoe, called upon the healthcare workers to reach the target of 11,337 in the district and also follow Covid-19 appropriate behaviour during IPPI activities. A total of 200 polio booths have been set up across the district for the purpose, the CMO stated.
Zunheboto: The IPPI programme in Zunheboto was launched at the office of the chief medical officer (CMO) by the additional deputy commissioner (ADC) of Zunheboto, Hito Sema, and also administered the first polio drops.
In his address, the ADC has stressed on the importance of vaccination and motivated the parents and healthcare workers to be an ambassador to create awareness about the different activities carried out by the medical department.
While acknowledging the services rendered by the healthcare workers towards the society, he encouraged them to continue performing their duties with dedication and sincerity.
The inaugural function was chaired by Vitoli, DPM, while Dr. M Nukshisangla Jamir, DPO (RCH&UIP), delivered the keynote address and Vechulo Duolo, pastor of Tenyimi Church, Zunheboto, said the invocation.
Zunheboto has targeted 8495 children between the ages of 0-5 years. It has also set up a total of 233 polio booths across the district.
Peren: The first round of IPPI programme in Peren district was launched at CHC Jalukie in which the first polio drops was administered by Dr. Kiholi Assumi, DPO (UIP/RCH).
An update from the CMO’s office, Peren, stated that a total of 552 volunteers have been engaged to man 138 polio booths along with 22 supervisors.
Besides, it has also engaged the services of Anganwadi worker, Ashas and the Assam Rifles to ensure that no child is missed out in villages namely Samzuiram, Lilen, Phaijol, Phangjang, Jalukieram under Jalukie block and Ngualong and Bamsai villages under Tening block.