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Polio Vaccine Drive Intensifies After Virus Found
6 Jul
Summary
- Polio vaccine-derived virus was detected in Ghaziabad sewage samples.
- Intensified vaccination campaigns target 150,000 people in high-risk areas.
- Health workers tirelessly visit homes, even in gated communities, to reach every child.
Following the detection of a vaccine-derived poliovirus strain in Ghaziabad's sewage on June 5, health authorities have launched an intensive vaccination campaign. This effort targets approximately 150,000 individuals across 12 identified high-risk neighborhoods. The campaign is a proactive measure to uphold India's polio-free status, achieved in 2014.
Health workers like Rajkumari are dedicated to reaching every child under five. Their work involves persistent door-to-door visits, meticulous record-keeping, and revisiting homes where children were not found or parents were hesitant. This includes densely packed residential areas and informal settlements, as well as more affluent gated communities.
Supervision has been strengthened, with vaccination maps redrawn to ensure comprehensive coverage. Officials emphasize that no child can be missed, a sentiment echoed by workers navigating various forms of resistance. Environmental surveillance continues as a critical early warning system.
The vaccination drive underscores the ongoing commitment to public health. Despite past success in eradicating wild poliovirus, vigilance remains essential. The determined efforts of healthcare professionals aim to prevent any resurgence of the virus, ensuring the well-being of the youngest population.
