J&K gears up for polio immunisation drive

Srinagar, Mar 1: Despite weather forecasts predicting snow and rain, around 43,000 health workers across Jammu and Kashmir are gearing up for the upcoming polio immunisation drive scheduled for March 3.

In remote snowcapped areas like Gurez, Tangdhar, and plains areas, efforts are underway to ensure nearly 18.74 lakh children under 5 years receive the oral polio vaccine on the designated day.

A senior immunisation official said that a total of 18,74,525 children would be immunised on March 3.

“Of a total of 18.74 lakh children, 8.06 lakh children are in Jammu division and 10.67 lakh are in Kashmir division under 5 years, who will be administered polio drops. For this massive exercise, a total of 10,799 booths have been set up, of which 5410 are in Jammu division and 5389 in Kashmir," he said.

To carry out the drive smoothly, 42,929 health workers have been roped in as vaccinators, with 21,360 from the Jammu division and 21,569 from the Kashmir division.

The total number of supervisors is 2169 with 1077 from Jammu and 1092 from Kashmir.

There will also be 835 transit teams, comprising 670 members from Jammu and 165 from Kashmir.

The official said that 23,80,360 doses of bivalent OPV are available, of which 10,30,000 are for the Jammu division and 13,50,360 for the Kashmir division.

Despite heavy snowfall being forecast in the higher reaches, officials are hopeful of achieving 100 percent immunisation coverage through coordinated efforts of the health staff.

The upcoming polio campaign aims to sustain polio-free status and protect children from lifelong paralysis.

In a video message, Secretary Health and Medical Education (H&ME) Department, Syed Abid Rasheed Shah said that around 19 lakh children under the age of 5 years would be immunised against polio during the drive.

“A total of 45,000 healthcare workers will ensure that no child is left out and full coverage is achieved. On March 3, there will be booth day where children will be brought to vaccination booths. The next two days will involve door-to-door campaigns to cover any left-out child,” he said.

Shah emphasised the need to eradicate polio from India and the entire world.

He said that India played a leading role in polio eradication efforts globally and successfully eliminated polio within the country.

Shah urged parents to take children under 5 years to nearby health centres on the designated day to help sustain India’s polio-free status.

Spokesperson of the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK), Dr Mir Mushtaq said, “Our teams are mobilising despite the cold and difficult terrain. No child will be left behind in our push to eradicate polio once and for all.”