National Immunisation Day was launched across Nagaland districts, targeting children below five with oral polio vaccination.
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DIMAPUR — Along with the rest of the country, the National Immunisation Day (NID), also known as the Intensified Pulse Polio Immunisation (IPPI) campaign, was launched across various districts of Nagaland on Sunday.
Longleng: The District Health Society, Longleng, officially launched the NID polio campaign at NST Junction, marking the commencement of the district-wide immunisation drive.
According to an update, EAC Headquarters, Longleng, Vinoh Swu appealed to the public to extend full cooperation in making the campaign a success.
He emphasised that safeguarding every child through immunisation is a collective responsibility and urged parents to ensure that no eligible child is left behind.
Delivering the keynote address, DPO (RCH/UIP), Dr. Imtiiungshi Aier stressed the importance of the campaign and urged parents and caregivers to ensure that every child below five years of age receives the two drops of Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV). He said every eligible child must be vaccinated, regardless of previous immunisation status, to keep the community protected from polio.
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Extensive awareness activities were also carried out across the district.
Wokha: The campaign in Wokha district was launched by Deputy Commissioner Mhathung K Tsanglao at the Chief Medical Officer's office.
Addressing the programme, Tsanglao said the polio vaccine protects children from the poliovirus and contributes to their overall growth and development.
He lauded the Government of India's initiative to eradicate poliomyelitis and encouraged all parents to ensure that their children receive the vaccine.
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Thungchangbemo Ezung informed that polio booths have been established across the district, while house-to-house visits will be conducted by health workers over the next two days.
He urged health personnel to put in their best efforts for the success of the campaign.
Mokokchung: In Mokokchung, the campaign was launched at Imlong Place, where Assistant Commissioner Dr. Madhavi R administered the first polio drops in the presence of CMO Dr. Tiasunep, DPO (UIP & RCH) Dr. Limanaro and other officials.
Dr. Tiasunep called upon health workers and volunteers to continue working together to keep India polio-free and ensure that no child below five years of age is missed during the campaign.
He also thanked the district administration, DPRO, Indian Red Cross Society, Rotary Club Mokokchung, village and ward councils, NGOs and allied departments for their continued support.
House-to-house mop-up activities will be conducted on June 29 and 30.
Zunheboto: The launch programme in Zunheboto was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Shaying Sheu, who administered the first dose of the polio vaccine.
Addressing the gathering, Sheu described polio as a crippling disease with no cure and emphasised that vaccination remains the most effective means of protection. He urged parents, community leaders and the public to actively support the campaign by ensuring that every child below five years receives the vaccine.
Delivering the keynote address, DPO (UIP & RCH) Dr. Heto Swu said the campaign is being conducted simultaneously across the country to administer an additional two drops of oral polio vaccine to all children below five years of age.
He informed that 16 vaccination booths have been established across Zunheboto town, while booths have also been set up in all health units and villages throughout the district.
Health teams will subsequently conduct house-to-house visits to ensure that no eligible child is left unvaccinated.
Phek: In Phek district, the first polio drops were administered by Phek Area Mother Association (PAMA) president Akole Vero.
The programme was chaired by DPO RMNCHA+N Dr. Khriekuolie Liezietsu. A total of 205 polio booths have been established across the district, with a target of immunising 10,037 eligible children.
House-to-house visits will continue over the next two days to ensure complete coverage.
Mon: The campaign was officially launched at District Hospital, Mon, with the objective of ensuring that every child below five years of age is protected against poliovirus.
The three-day campaign will continue until June 30. On Sunday, 239 polio booths were set up across towns and villages to administer oral polio vaccine to eligible children. House-to-house vaccination drives will be carried out on June 29 and 30, with 42 supervisors deployed for smooth implementation.
According to the district microplan, the target population comprises 23,712 children below five years of age, including newborns.
Speaking at the programme, DPO (UIP & RCH) Dr. Wungyong Konyak highlighted the significance of the NID programme, noting that although India has eradicated polio, the risk of re-emergence remains due to reported cases in neighbouring countries.
He urged parents and guardians to ensure that every child below five years, including newborns, receives the oral polio vaccine during this round, irrespective of previous immunisation status.
The campaign was formally inaugurated with the administration of the first two drops of bivalent Oral Polio Vaccine (bOPV) by EAC, Mon Headquarters, Kedoseno Reno.
The district administration and the Health department have appealed to parents to extend full cooperation to health teams during the house-to-house vaccination drive.
Tuensang: The Department of Health and Family Welfare, Tuensang, launched the campaign at Tower Clock Junction, Tuensang, with ADC Tuensang Berimong administering two drops of oral polio vaccine to an eligible child.
According to an update, the ADC reminded that although India is polio-free, the chances of polio cases arising are not zero, given that neighbouring countries like Afghanistan and Pakistan still have prevailing cases. He urged parents not to give in to rumours and misconceptions about the vaccine, assuring that it is safe and effective.
DPO (UIP/RCH) Dr. Y Waulong Phom gave a brief introduction to pulse polio and its significance in maintaining India’s current polio-free status.
Dimapur24x7 Foundation: Dimapur24x7 Foundation, in association with Dimapur District Hospital, observed National Immunisation Day (NID) 2026 by administering polio drops to children aged 0 to 5 years at designated booths in Dimapur.
According to an update, the immunisation drive was led by Dimapur24x7 chairperson Annie Jain at New Market and Erose Line Assam Bus Stand, where volunteers and healthcare personnel worked together to ensure that every eligible child received the polio vaccine.