Officials administer a dose to a child during the National Immunization Day drive in Wokha on June 28. (Photo Courtesy: CMO Office Wokha)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | June 28
Nagaland on Sunday joined the nationwide National Immunization Day (NID) campaign, launching an intensive Pulse Polio drive to administer oral polio vaccine to more than 1.43 lakh children below five years of age across the state.
Launching the campaign at Seikhazou Urban Primary Health Centre (UPHC) in Kohima, State Immunization Officer Dr Imkong Temsu Longchar administered the first polio drops to Andrea Odyuo.
Dr Longchar said every child below five years of age must receive two drops of the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV), irrespective of previous vaccination status, to protect against the crippling effects of poliomyelitis.
He said Nagaland has remained polio-free since 1997, while India has maintained its polio-free status since 2014. However, he cautioned that continued vigilance is essential to prevent the reintroduction of the virus from countries where polio still exists.
"If exposed to the virus, it can cause lifelong paralysis and disability," he said.
The state aims to immunise 1,43,530 children during the campaign. In Kohima district alone, 57 vaccination booths, including 12 mobile teams, were deployed. Health workers will undertake house-to-house visits on June 29 to vaccinate children who miss Sunday's booth-based campaign.
The launching programme in Kohima was chaired by District Immunization Officer Dr. Khrievilhou Nakhro, while Medical Officer Dr. Bilva Yalie offered the invocation.
Across the state, district administrations and health departments launched the campaign with appeals to parents to ensure that every eligible child receives the life-saving vaccine.
In Peren, the programme was inaugurated at the District Hospital by Extra Assistant Commissioner Vekhohu Puro, who administered the first polio drops and stressed the importance of vaccination while urging that no eligible child be left out. District Programme Officer (RCH and UIP) Dr Velentina Neikha delivered the keynote address.
At Mokokchung, Assistant Commissioner Dr Madhavi R. launched the campaign by administering the first polio drops in the presence of Chief Medical Officer Dr Tiasunep and other officials. The district will conduct house-to-house mop-up vaccination on June 29 and 30.
In Wokha, Deputy Commissioner Mhathung K Tsanglao launched the campaign at the Chief Medical Officer's office, highlighting the importance of vaccination in protecting children from poliomyelitis. Chief Medical Officer Dr Thungchangbemo Ezung said booth vaccination would be followed by two days of house-to-house visits.
Dimapur district, including Niuland and Chumoukedima, established 480 vaccination booths targeting 43,521 children below five years of age. The campaign was launched by Extra Assistant Commissioner Imlijungla, who administered the first polio drops. House-to-house vaccination will continue over the next two days to cover missed children.
In Zunheboto, Additional Deputy Commissioner Shaying Sheu inaugurated the campaign by administering the first vaccine dose. District Programme Officer (UIP and RCH) Dr Heto Swu said 16 booths had been established in Zunheboto town, with vaccination centres also set up in all health units and villages across the district, followed by house-to-house visits.
Phek district launched the campaign with the first polio drops administered by Phek Area Mother Association president Akole Vero. District Programme Officer (RMNCHA+N) Dr Khriekuolie Liezietsu said 205 booths had been established to cover 10,037 eligible children, while house-to-house visits would continue for the next two days.
At Longleng, the campaign was formally launched by EAC Headquarters Er Vinoh Swu at NST Junction. District Programme Officer (RCH/UIP) Dr Imtiiungshi Aier urged parents to ensure that all eligible children receive the vaccine regardless of previous immunisation. Public awareness activities, including miking and display of IEC materials, were carried out throughout the district.
In Mon district, the campaign was inaugurated by EAC Kedoseno Reno with the administration of the first two drops of the bivalent Oral Polio Vaccine. District Data Entry Operator (UIP and RCH) Dr. Wungyong Konyak said 239 booths had been established across the district, targeting 23,712 children below five years of age. Forty-two supervisors have been deployed, and house-to-house vaccination will continue until June 30.
Health authorities across the state appealed to parents and guardians to cooperate with vaccination teams and ensure that every eligible child receives the oral polio vaccine, reaffirming Nagaland's commitment to keeping both the state and the country polio-free.
