Dikshit launches another phase of Pulse Polio drive

New Delhi, Nov 11 (UNI) Expressing concern over fresh cases of polio being reported from the Capital, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today appealed to parents to administer polio drops to their children during the immunisation drive tomorrow.

''About 26 lakh children from new borns to 5 years would be administered drops tomorrow at 7,500 booths,'' Ms Dikshit said after launching another phase of the Pulse Polio Immunization Programme(PPIP) at her residence.

More than 23,000 personnel including volunteers would be involved in covering families in all parts of the Capital city.

The Chief Minister said huge migrant population coming to Delhi is emerging a threat to the national capital, which had reached the verge of polio elimination.

''In view of low nutrition level of children in our country, repetition of anti-polio dose for more than five times becomes imperative,'' she said.

''Deficiency in repetition of the dose can cause problems whereas additional repetition will not amount to be harmful,'' she added.

Delhi initiated the Pulse Polio Immunization Programme in 1994.

From an average of about 500 polio cases in Delhi in 1994-95, only one case was reported in Delhi in 2005 whereas around five cases have been reported this year.

Ms Dikshit pointed out that Delhi was the first state to introduce house-to-house ''search and immunise'' component in 1999.

The new phase would be followed by a five-day door-to-door campaign to cover left over cases.

Elaborate arrangements have been made to administer drops to the maximum number of children, including those in the vulnerable localities.

Transit population would be covered through polio booths at Railway Stations, ISBTs, Appu Ghar, IGI Airport, Millennium Park, 57 Metro stations, Pragati Maidan, Nirankari Sant Samagam, India International Trade Fair, Pragati Maidan and Akshardham Temple. Delhi Health Minister Yoganand Shastri, senior Health officers and representatives from NGOs were also present at the launch.

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