The Pulse Polio immunisation programme for the current round was officially launched in Hubballi, Karnataka, on Sunday. The initiative was inaugurated by Prasad Abbayya, the President of the Karnataka Slum Development Board, at the Namma Clinic located in SS Krishna Nagar.
Launch Event and Historical Significance
During the launch event, Abbayya highlighted the critical importance of the polio vaccination drive. He reminded the public that the Pulse Polio programme, which began in 1995, successfully replaced the earlier PPI injections that were administered starting in 1972. He emphasised that just two drops of the oral polio vaccine are life-saving for children.
"The relentless focus on polio vaccination until 2013 led the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare India a polio-free nation in 2014," Abbayya stated. He issued a stern warning that failing to vaccinate children could lead to lifelong disabilities and stressed that it is mandatory for every child to receive the drops.
Large-Scale Mobilisation for Vaccination
District Health Officer SM Honakeri provided details on the massive scale of the immunisation effort. He announced that the programme is being observed across the nation and that in this district alone, more than 2 lakh (200,000) children are targeted to receive the polio drops.
To achieve this, the health department has set up a vast network. Approximately 891 booths have been established across the district, with 3,600 staff members deployed to manage them. Following the booth activity, health workers will conduct a door-to-door campaign for three days to ensure no child is missed.
Honakeri also made a crucial appeal to parents, urging them not to pay heed to any false propaganda against the polio vaccine and to ensure their children are protected.
Infrastructure and Development Promises
Beyond the vaccination drive, President Abbayya addressed local development issues in SS Krishna Nagar. He noted that the area previously faced severe problems with sewage flooding. However, interventions like the construction of new roads and a barrier for the Raja Canal Nala have been undertaken to mitigate this.
He highlighted the establishment of schools, colleges, and Anganwadi centres to prioritise children's education. Abbayya also promised further development, including the operation of local ambulance services, the construction of a premier market, and a high-tech road, expressing hope for the prosperity of Karnataka's people.
The launch event was attended by several dignitaries, including HDMC Commissioner Rudresh Gali, HDMC Medical Officer Dr. Sridhar Dandappannavar, various health department officials, ASHA workers, and other stakeholders, underscoring the collective commitment to public health.
