Rajasthan CM Sharma launches state-wide pulse polio drive

The recent pulse polio immunisation drive has achieved significant milestones in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, specifically within the districts of Chittoor, Annamayya, and Sri Sathya Sai. On June 28, 2026, these three districts collectively surpassed the 95% target in reaching children under the age of five with the oral polio vaccine. This success marks a crucial step forward in India's ongoing efforts to eradicate polio, which has been a long-standing public health priority.

The campaign, which took place on Sunday, saw extensive coordination among local authorities and healthcare workers. Officials from the Medical and Health departments, alongside support teams, established numerous vaccination booths across various public spaces such as government hospitals, primary health centres, anganwadi centres, bus stands, railway stations, and other accessible locations. These strategic placements ensured maximum accessibility for parents and caregivers looking to protect their children against the disease.

In Chittoor district, the initiative commenced with a formal launch led by District Collector Sumit Kumar at the Urban Primary Health Centre located in Telephone Colony near Darga Circle. During this event, the Collector emphasized the importance of parental participation and urged all parents to ensure that each child received the necessary vaccination. He also instructed health officials to conduct intensive follow-ups over the following two days to reach the remaining unvaccinated children and strive for complete coverage.

The operation involved a diverse group of frontline workers including Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA), Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), anganwadi workers, and volunteers. Their roles were pivotal in ensuring that even the most vulnerable populations, such as children from migrant families and those residing in remote areas, were included in the immunisation process. Special attention was given to these groups to prevent any child from being left behind during the campaign.

This pulse polio drive holds particular significance for the predominantly rural regions of these districts, where maintaining consistent community engagement remains vital for sustaining high immunisation rates. To further enhance coverage, house-to-house verification and additional mop-up visits are scheduled for June 29 and June 30. These measures aim to identify and vaccinate any children who might have missed the initial round due to logistical challenges or lack of access.

While the focus here is primarily on the achievements in Andhra Pradesh, it's worth noting that similar initiatives are taking place in other parts of the country. For instance, in Rajasthan, Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje launched a state-wide pulse polio drive, highlighting the nationwide commitment to eliminating the disease. Such coordinated efforts reflect a broader strategy to combat polio through comprehensive immunisation campaigns and community involvement.

As the campaign continues, the emphasis remains on achieving full coverage and reinforcing the importance of regular immunisation. With continued dedication from both governmental bodies and grassroots workers, there is optimism about further progress towards a polio-free future. The upcoming mop-up visits will play a critical role in addressing any gaps in coverage and ensuring that all children receive the protection they need.