TWO DROPS OF LIFE!
Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 4
Nagaland today joined the rest of the country in launching the Intensive Pulse Polio Immunisation (IPPI) campaign across the State as a part of National Immunisation Day. The State is targeting around 1, 55, 550 beneficiaries during the current drive.
In the State capital Kohima, Dr Ritu Thurr, Principal Director, Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland, administered the first drops of the oral polio vaccine at Urban Primary Health Centre, Seikhazou, Kohima.
Addressing the gathering, he said that immunisation is one of the most effective methods for prevention of vaccine preventable diseases.
“We have 13 vaccine preventable diseases- called, Universal Immunization Programme (UIP),” he noted.
The main goal of UIP is to provide all infant and pregnant women protection of vaccine preventable diseases.
He further highlighted that India and Southeast Asia was certified polio free in 2014.
“Till date, India is free from polio. But there is still apprehension to get infection at any time as some countries are still not free from Polio,” he said adding: “We have to take extra precaution.”
Dr Thurr said that Nagaland is targeting around 1, 55, 550 beneficiaries from 0-5 years age group on this Polio National Immunisation Day.
1550 polio booths have been set up for the purpose across the state.
The launching programme was chaired by Dr Leamnyie Konyak, CMO Kohima.
Earlier, Dr. Imkongtemsu Longchar, State Immunisation Officer maintained that even though India is polio free, polio still exists in few countries and it may come back.
“Therefore, to ensure the child’s complete protection, polio vaccine is given every time so that India maintains its victory over polio,” he added.
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