Sub-National Immunisation Day for polio conducted across Nagaland

DIMAPUR — The Sub-National Immunisation Day (SNID) for polio was conducted across multiple districts, including Mon, Phek, and Tuensang, on Sunday as part of a nationwide effort to sustain India’s polio-free status.

In Mon district, the District Health Society (DHS) organised the campaign with 255 vaccination booths set up across all six blocks, supported by 31 supervisors to ensure smooth operations.

According to a press release, the drive aims to immunise 25,606 children below five years of age. To ensure complete coverage, health teams will carry out house-to-house visits the following day to vaccinate children who may have been missed, while polio drops remain available at all local health facilities.

During a brief launching programme, Dr. Supongmenla Walling, chief medical officer (CMO) of Mon, highlighted the importance of maintaining vigilance against the disease. She noted that although India has been polio-free since 2011, neighbouring countries continue to report cases, keeping border districts like Mon at higher risk.

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“The Government of India has gone to great lengths to prevent the reoccurrence of polio, even providing injectable vaccines alongside oral drops,” Dr. Walling said. “Through such immunisation efforts, India has successfully eradicated diseases such as wild poliomyelitis, smallpox, and polio virus types 2 and 3. We urge every parent to ensure that no child under five is left out of this vital campaign.”

Dr. Wungyong Konyak, district programme officer (RCH and UIP), said Mon is one of five districts in Nagaland selected for the SNID campaign due to its border location. He encouraged community leaders and residents to spread awareness and remind families to bring their children to the nearest vaccination booth.

Preparations included a district-level training session on October 6, focusing on microplanning, capacity building, and operational readiness, followed by hands-on training for UPHC staff, ASHAs, and volunteers on October 11.

The event concluded with Dr. Walling administering the first two drops of polio vaccine.

In Phek district, the SNID was launched at the District Hospital, Phek. The first polio drop was administered by Thejakhrienuo Nisa, additional deputy commissioner (ADC) Phek, in the presence of Dr. Chitale Hiese, chief medical officer (CMO) Phek, and Dr. Khriekuolie Liezietsu, district immunisation officer (DIO).

A total of 205 polio booths were set up across the district, targeting 10,992 children below five years of age. House-to-house visits will be carried out on October 13 and 14 to immunise children who missed vaccination on the main day.

In Tuensang, the SNID campaign was launched at Tower Clock Junction, Tuensang town, with EAC Toking Yimkhiung as the special guest. He administered two drops of the polio vaccine to a child in the presence of DPO (UIP and RCH) Dr. Waulong Phom, district supervisors, church leaders, and staff of the CMO office.

Dr. Phom noted that although India has been polio-free for some time, the SNID campaign plays a crucial role in eliminating any potential risk of re-emergence. He said the campaign is being conducted in five districts—Kiphire, Mon, Noklak, Phek, and Tuensang. He urged parents not to hesitate in immunising their children, stating that denying vaccination is denying a child their right to health.

He added that 145 polio booth centres were set up across Tuensang district to cover children aged 0 to 5 years. The campaign will continue until October 14 to reach any children missed at the booth centres.