Intensified Pulse Polio Immunization Programme starts
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 10 2019: The Intensified Pulse Polio Immunization (IPPI) Programme which will continue till March 12 was launched today at the premises of Directorate of Family Welfare Services in Imphal.

The pulse polio immunization will cover about 3,50,000 children below 5 years of age.

Speaking at the event, State Nodal Officer (Immunization) Dr Nandakishore said that the Intensified Pulse Polio Immunization is being conducted to administer oral polio vaccine (OPV) to more than 13 crore children below 5 years of the country.

The programme aims at covering maximum number of children on March 10.Left out children will be given the same opportunity to get immunise on March 11 and 12, he said.

Polio was last reported in India on 13 January 2011 .

World Health Organization (WHO) declared India a polio free country on March 27, 2014, he said.

WHO had a target to curb polio by 2018, but unfortunately it has failed to reach its target, he said and informed that polio is endemic in Pakistan Afghanistan and Nigeria.

About 8 cases were reported in Pakistan in the year, 2016, 2017 and 2018 .

Afghanistan reported 12 cases in the year 2016 and 2017.20 cases were reported in 2018, he said.

Although India was declared free from polio, the polio immunization programme however continues in the country to thwart any possible return of the disease through contact with infected persons of those countries where polio is endemic, he said.

India started its immunization programme in 1978.After the immunization programme, the number of polio cases declined significantly from 3/4 lakhs.

On November 25, 1985, Universal Immunization Programme was launched under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to reach nook and corner of India.

The programme aimed at eradicating polio by 1990 .

Due to lack of infrastructures the programme had failed to reach its target, said Dr Nandakishore.

Last year about 30 suspected cases of polio were reported in Manipur.

Fortunately, they were found not to be polio after tests were conducted in Kolkata, he said.

Similarly, 7 suspected cases were reported this year, he added.

Poliomyelitis commonly known as polio is caused by Poliovirus.

Polio is a communicable disease usually transmitted from person to person through infected fecal matter entering the mouth.

It may also spread through contaminated food or water.

Many people who are infected with the poliovirus don't become sick and have no symptoms.

However, those who do become ill develop paralysis, which can sometimes be fatal.

Intensified Pulse Polio Immunisation is a campaign established by the Government of India to eliminate poliomyelitis (polio) in India by vaccinating all children under the age of five years against the polio virus.

About 3,618 booths are opened across the State with 724 supervisors and 14,472 vaccinators.

Nine observers are overseeing the programme.

Director Health & family Welfare Services Dr K Rajo Singh and Additional Director Dr Md Salamat Ullah attended the event.

Comment