Deoghar to Launch Three-Day Pulse Polio Campaign from November 22

Photo: RP

Deoghar: The Deoghar district administration will conduct a three-day Sub-National Immunisation Day (SNID) Pulse Polio campaign from November 22 to 24, targeting all children aged between zero and five years.

Preparations for the 2026 campaign were reviewed at a district task force meeting chaired by Deputy Development Commissioner Piyush Sinha at the Collectorate on Saturday.

During the meeting, Sinha directed officials to ensure that more than 80 per cent of eligible children receive polio drops on the first day of the campaign itself, with the ultimate objective of achieving 100 per cent coverage across the district.

He emphasised the need for coordinated efforts among the Health, Education, Social Welfare, Information and Public Relations, Panchayati Raj and Municipal departments to ensure that no child is left out. Block Development Officers were also instructed to convene task force meetings at the block level well in advance and ensure proper arrangements for the campaign.

Highlighting the importance of continued immunisation, Sinha said that although India has been declared polio-free, the presence of polio cases in neighbouring countries makes it essential to maintain vigilance and sustain vaccination efforts.

The district administration appealed to parents and guardians to ensure that every child below five years of age receives polio drops during the campaign, irrespective of previous vaccination status. Residents can contact their nearest Sahiyas, Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) or Anganwadi workers for information and assistance.

Representatives from the Health Department and other concerned departments, along with district representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, attended the meeting.

The campaign aims to maintain India's polio-free status by ensuring that every eligible child in Deoghar receives the required protection through timely immunisation.