Fresh phase of Intensified Pulse Polio Immunisation Prog launched

New Delhi, Jan 6 (UNI) Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today launched a fresh phase of Intensified Pulse Polio Programme by administering anti-Polio drops to 20 children at her residence.

Expressing deep concern over few reported cases of Polio in the capital, she reiterated commitment of her government to make the city a polio free state at the earliest.

Ms Dikshit added that the strategy to overcome the challenge of polio would be further streamlined. Awareness programme would also be intensified and more concentration would be given to uncovered areas in slum colonies.

As many as six cases of Polio were reported in 2006 whereas only one was reported in 2005.

The Chief Minister said Delhi was on the threshold of eradicating polio but occurrence of fresh cases, mostly because of migration of polio affected children from neighbouring states, had posed a fresh challenge.

Delhi had always been a pioneer in pulse polio immunisation programme as it was initiated by the state government, a step which earned international acclaim because of its success, she said.

She exhorted parents to come forward and bring their children upto five years of age for immunisation at polio booths.

Delhi government had made elaborate arrangements this time. Even after the one-day immunisation programme, designated teams would visit door-to-door to ascertain children who were left out and ensure administering of anti-polio drops to them. It had become imperative to repeat dose of polio drops regularly and upto ten to 12 times after occurrence of fresh cases.

Ms Dikshit said around 27 lakh children would be administered drops at 7,500 polio booths in Delhi tomorrow. Around 24 thousand health personnel and workers had been deputed for this purpose.

Polio booths had been set up at railway stations, ISBTs, 57 Metro stations, airport, all important parks and temples as well as, Pragati Maidan to enable administering of drops to transit families.

International organisation like UNICEF, NGOs like Rotary and Lions Club and 1,250 RWAs were rendering co-operation. Around 370 routes had been earmarked to ensure delivery of drops to polio booths.

Ms Dikshit described polio as one of the deadliest enemy of childhood. She added that Pulse Polio awareness programme had been given new direction this time. MTNL, AIRTEL and other telecom companies and NDPL and BSES had started giving out pulse polio message on their bills and other printed matter.

Services of local Imams had been taken to dispel misconceptions about Pulse Polio programme. Their recorded video message was being telecast by cable channels. FM radio and Electronic Media were also being utilised for this purpose.

UNI