Children gestures after receiving polio drops in Mon.
MON/PHEK, OCTOBER 12 (MExN): In a continued effort to sustain India’s polio-free status, the District Health Societies of Mon, Kiphre, Tuensang and Phek districts conducted the Sub-National Immunization Day (SNID) for Polio on October 12.
In Mon, 255 vaccination booths were set up across all six blocks, supported by 31 supervisors to ensure smooth operations. The campaign aims to immunize an estimated 25,606 children below five years of age, with house-to-house visits planned the following day to cover those missed. Polio drops are also available at all local health facilities, a press release stated.
During the launch, Dr Supongmenla Walling, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Mon, highlighted the importance of maintaining vigilance against polio, noting that India has been polio-free since 2011 but border districts remain at risk. She said the government provides injectable vaccines alongside oral drops to ensure complete protection and urged parents to vaccinate all children under five. Dr Wungyong Konyak, District Programme Officer (RCH & UIP), added that Mon is among five Nagaland districts selected for the SNID campaign due to its border location, and appealed to community leaders to spread awareness. Preparations included a district-level training session on October 6 and hands-on training for UPHC staff, ASHAs, and volunteers on October 11.
In Phek, the SNID-Polio drive was launched at the District Hospital by Thejakhrienuo Nisa, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Phek, in the presence of Dr Chitale Hiese, CMO, and Dr Khriekuolie Liezietsu, District Immunization Officer. The district has set up 205 vaccination booths targeting 10,992 children below five years. House-to-house visits are scheduled for October 13 and 14 to cover those missed on SNID day. The launches in the five districts included ceremonial first polio drops, marking the beginning of the nationwide immunization drive.
