pulse-polio-campaign-to-be-conducted-in-himachal-on-june-28

A meeting of the State Task Force for Immunisation (STFI) committee was held on Monday under the chairpersonship of Secretary (Health) M. Sudha Devi to review preparations for the Pulse Polio Campaign scheduled to be conducted across Himachal Pradesh on June 28. 

 

Detailed discussions were held regarding the roles and responsibilities of various departments to ensure the successful and effective implementation of the campaign.

 

During the meeting, it was informed that the required supply of polio vaccines had been dispatched to all districts and that all necessary arrangements were being made for the smooth conduct of the campaign.

 

The Secretary called upon various departments to extend active cooperation for the success of the campaign. Emphasis was laid on ensuring adequate manpower, mobilising eligible children, effective management of booth activities, house-to-house outreach and verification activities, and robust supervision and monitoring mechanisms.

 

The meeting also stressed the need for industrial units to inform their workers and employees about the Pulse Polio Campaign and booth-day activities so that no eligible child is left out. In addition, emphasis was laid on securing the active participation of Mahila Mandals, local institutions and dedicated field-level functionaries to turn the campaign into a mass movement.

 

It was further highlighted during the meeting that the last case of wild poliovirus in India was reported in 2011. In Himachal Pradesh, the last case of Wild Poliovirus Type-3 (P3) was reported in Solan district in 2009, while the last case of Wild Poliovirus Type-1 (P1) was reported in Kullu district in 2006.

The Secretary said sustained vigilance and high immunisation coverage are essential to preserve the gains achieved in polio eradication. She urged all departments to work in close coordination to ensure the successful implementation of the campaign and to reach every eligible child with polio vaccination.
Mission Director, NHM, Pradeep Thakur; Deputy Mission Director, NHM, Dr Rajesh Guleri; Director Health Services, Dr Gopal Beri; Director, Medical Education and Research, Dr Rakesh Sharma; and senior officers of various departments were present at the meeting.