Gonda: The National Pulse Polio Immunization Campaign commenced in Gonda district, with District Magistrate Priyanka Niranjan formally inaugurating the drive at the District Women’s Hospital by administering polio drops to children aged up to five years.
The district-wide campaign aims to provide polio vaccine doses to approximately 577,000 children between the ages of zero and five years, reinforcing the government’s commitment to maintaining India’s polio-free status.
Speaking on the occasion, the District Magistrate emphasized that no eligible child should be left out of the immunization programme. She said the district administration and health department have developed a comprehensive action plan to ensure the campaign’s success and achieve 100 percent coverage.
Preparations Reviewed by District Task Force
Prior to the launch, preparations for the campaign were reviewed during a meeting of the District Task Force (DTF) chaired by the District Magistrate at the Collectorate Auditorium. During the meeting, she stressed that reaching every child is essential to sustaining the gains made in polio eradication.
She directed officials from the health department, child development services, and other associated agencies to work in close coordination and ensure continuous monitoring throughout the campaign.
Extensive Arrangements in Place
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sant Lal Patel stated that all necessary preparations had been completed for the smooth implementation of the campaign. Detailed micro-plans have been prepared for booth operations, house-to-house visits, supervision, and monitoring.
To oversee the campaign, 365 supervisors have been deployed across the district. Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), Anganwadi workers, Community Health Officers (CHOs), and other healthcare personnel have received the required training.
District Immunization Officer Dr. Muinuddin Chishti said that on the first day of the campaign, children would be administered polio drops at 1,977 fixed booths established throughout the district.
Following the booth phase, 1,171 house-to-house teams will conduct door-to-door visits to identify and vaccinate children who may have missed the initial round. Additionally, 75 transit teams will be stationed at bus stations, railway stations, and other public locations, while 45 mobile teams will cover remote and special areas.
Focus on Migrant and Vulnerable Communities
The District Magistrate directed officials to give special attention to children living at brick kilns, construction sites, and among nomadic and migrant families. Special strategies have been developed to ensure these vulnerable groups are not missed during the campaign.
Mobile and transit teams will actively reach out to such populations to ensure every eligible child receives the vaccine dose.
She also announced that the campaign’s progress would be reviewed daily at both block and district levels. Appealing to parents and guardians, she urged them to bring all children under the age of five to the nearest polio booth and contribute to strengthening India’s commitment to a polio-free future.
The launch programme was attended by Chief Medical Superintendent Dr. Devendra Singh, Additional Chief Medical Officer Dr. Aditya Verma, Dr. Pankaj Tiwari, Dr. R.P. Singh, along with other doctors, health officials, and supporting staff members.
