Polio immunization State targets to cover over 2.8 lakh children

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jun 28: Intensified Pulse Polio Immu- nization (PPI) programme, targeting to cover over 2.8 lakh children under the age of five, was launched today.
The State level launch function was held at the  office premises of the Directorate of Family Welfare Services at Old Assembly road.
The immunization programme, under the Direc- torate of Family Welfare Services and National Health Mission and the State Health Society is targeting to cover a total of 2,89,774 children under 5 years of age.
The Pulse Polio Immunisation Programme is a Nationwide campaign launched by the National Health Mission to eliminate poliomyelitis.
Poliomyelitis, commonly known as polio, is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable viral disease caused by the poliovirus. It primarily attacks the nervous system and can lead to irreversible, total paralysis. There is no cure, making vaccination the only way to prevent it.
Family Welfare Director Dr N Bino Singh, Additional Director Dr N Thoinao, Additional Director Sanasam Gopal and State Immunization Officer Dr Ksh Memcha attended the launch function today.
At the event, Dr N Bino said India was officially declared polio-free on March 27, 2014, by the World Health Organization (WHO).
However, the Pulse Polio Immunization programme has continued to prevent cross border transmission of the poliomyelitis. Some of India's neighbouring countries are not yet free from it, Dr Bino added.
The Director also busted common myths surrounding the polio vaccine, and said it doesn't cause sterility or infertility.
State Immunization Officer Dr Ksh Memcha said the immunization programme is targeting to cover 2,89,774 children in Manipur.
To ensure every child gets vaccinated, a total of 2,898 booths will be opened across the State, engaging 11,592 vaccinators and 580 supervisors, she said.
Apart from administering oral polio vaccine at the booths, vaccinators will also go door-to-door to vaccinate children under 5, she added.
While polio vaccination is included in routine immunization after birth, parents may also administer the vaccine again during the immunization programme, she said.
The Pulse Polio Immunization programme was launched across districts.