Telangana Rolls Out Massive Pulse Polio Drive for 40.9 Lakh Children
Telangana is launching a major Pulse Polio immunization campaign for over 40.9 lakh children under five. Starting June 28, the health department has organized thousands of booths and a vast field team to ensure comprehensive coverage and maintain the state's polio-free status.
Highlights
- •Over 40.9 lakh children under five in Telangana will receive polio drops.
- •The Pulse Polio campaign includes 22,979 vaccination booths across the state.
- •House-to-house visits are planned for June 29-30 to reach missed children.
- •A massive workforce including ASHAs and Anganwadi workers is managing the drive.
The state government in Telangana is gearing up for a massive public health initiative, as over 40.9 lakh children are set to receive Pulse Polio drops starting June 28. This critical health drive aims to ensure that children below the age of five are fully protected, reinforcing the state's ongoing commitment to remaining polio-free. To manage this large-scale operation, health officials have established approximately 23,000 vaccination booths to facilitate widespread accessibility.
Extensive Healthcare Logistics for Polio Vaccination
The state health department has meticulously planned the logistics to reach the maximum number of children. On the inaugural day of the campaign, nearly 22,979 booths will be operational from 7 am to 6 pm. Following this initial phase, the campaign will shift to a more personalized approach, involving house-to-house visits on June 29 and 30. This ensures that any children who were unable to visit a booth are still reached and protected through the Pulse Polio programme.
Due to high population density in specific urban regions, including Hyderabad, Rangareddy, Medchal Malkajgiri, and Sangareddy, the vaccination drive is scheduled to continue through July 1. Regardless of their routine immunization records, every child under the age of five is eligible to receive two drops of the bivalent oral polio vaccine (bOPV).
Mobilizing a Massive Workforce for Public Health
A significant workforce has been mobilized to guarantee the success of this immunization effort. The operation includes 903 mobile teams, 903 transit points, and 2,298 route supervisors. The healthcare mission is supported by a large contingent of 8,754 auxiliary nurse midwives, 28,160 Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA), and 35,700 Anganwadi workers. Additionally, the drive is bolstered by volunteers, members of Mahila Mandali, personnel from MEPMA and SERP, along with nursing students and local educators.
To support this extensive coverage, the state has secured 52.04 lakh doses of the bOPV. A comprehensive awareness campaign has also been launched across various platforms, including electronic and print media, public banners, cinema slides, and audio-visual messaging to educate parents. The steady growth of the beneficiary count, rising from 36.55 lakh in 2018 to over 40.97 lakh in 2024, demonstrates a sustained focus on public health. By consistently exceeding vaccination targets, Telangana remains a vital contributor to the nation's overall success in preventing the spread of polio.
