Himachal Pradesh Launches Polio Vaccination Drive to Protect Children

admin July 16, 2023

Himachal Pradesh Launches Polio Vaccination Drive to Protect Children

Himachal Pradesh’s Health Minister, Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, officially launched the state’s polio vaccination drive on the occasion of Polio Day, signifying the ongoing commitment to protecting children from this debilitating disease.

Minister Lauds Efforts, Highlights Campaign Details:

Minister Shandil commended the relentless efforts of healthcare professionals across India who played a vital role in eradicating polio from the country. He emphasized the critical nature of continuous vaccination efforts, stating that over 590,600 children in Himachal Pradesh would receive polio drops at 5,870 designated centers managed by a total of 10,963 teams.

Maintaining Polio-Free Status in the Face of Regional Challenges:

While acknowledging India’s polio-free status achieved in 2014, the Minister stressed the importance of continued vigilance due to the presence of the virus in neighboring countries. He reiterated the necessity of administering polio drops to every child at regular intervals to prevent the potential spread of the disease.

Ensuring Widespread Accessibility:

The Minister highlighted the strategic placement of vaccination centers throughout the state, ensuring accessibility for all children. He further elaborated on the initiative to extend vaccination efforts to critical locations like bus stands, district borders, transit routes, and other public gathering areas. This comprehensive approach aims to minimize the possibility of missed vaccinations.

Addressing Missed Vaccinations and Remaining Areas:

Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, the Minister announced door-to-door campaigns to reach children who may have missed the initial vaccination drive. He acknowledged the temporary suspension of the drive in Lahaul & Spiti, Kinnaur districts, and Pangi sub-district of Chamba due to extreme weather conditions and snowfall. Vaccination efforts in these areas will resume on April 7th, 2024.