Jammu and Kashmir Launches Pulse Polio Campaign to Ensure Child Immunization

Pulse Polio Campaign Initiated in Jammu and Kashmir

On Sunday, the Jammu and Kashmir government launched a comprehensive Pulse Polio campaign across the entire Union Territory. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah urged parents to ensure that no child under the age of five misses out on the polio vaccine.

Abdullah reaffirmed the government's commitment to maintaining a polio-free status in the region.

The Chief Minister's office shared on the social media platform 'X', stating, 'As part of the Pulse Polio campaign initiated today, the Chief Minister has requested parents to take their children to the nearest booth for vaccination.'

The office also highlighted Abdullah's appreciation for the healthcare workers and volunteers who tirelessly work to secure 'the future of our children.' Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Ittoo inaugurated the campaign by administering polio drops to children at a government hospital in Gandhi Nagar.

Ittoo emphasized the crucial role of regular immunization and community involvement in sustaining the Union Territory's polio-free status. She commended the efforts of frontline health workers, ASHA and Anganwadi workers, volunteers, and district health teams, stating, 'It was extremely challenging to reach remote areas to administer the drops, but our frontline workers accomplished this efficiently.'

The minister noted that approximately 11,000 booths have been set up across the Union Territory, and with the assistance of around 40,000 health workers, nearly 2 million children will receive the polio vaccine during the campaign.

To ensure that every eligible child is reached, special vaccination booths and door-to-door vaccination arrangements have been established in all districts, along with a robust monitoring system for effective implementation of the campaign.