“A Pulse Polio Immunization programme was observed across the state to keep the country polio-free.”

Although India has remained polio-free for the past 14 years, children in several neighbouring countries are still being affected by the polio virus. In recent times, reports of fresh infections in neighbouring countries have raised concerns that the disease could re-enter India. Therefore, with the aim of keeping the country polio-free, the Pulse Polio Immunization Programme was observed on Sunday across Tripura, along with the rest of the country.

The main state-level programme was held at Maharani Tulsibati Girls’ Higher Secondary School in Agartala. The programme was formally inaugurated by the Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department, Kiran Gitte, who was present as the chief guest. On the day, a target was set to administer two drops of the polio vaccine to every child aged between zero and five years. According to health experts, these two drops can protect children from serious disabilities such as paralysis of the arms and legs in the future.

Extensive preparations were made across the state to ensure the success of the Pulse Polio programme. In addition to temporary vaccination centres, special immunization camps were organised at schools, sub-health centres, anganwadi centres, and various hospitals. A target has been set to administer polio drops to a total of 3,40,874 children aged between zero and five years across the state.

Sources from the Health Department said that a total of 13,636 vaccinators will be deployed at 3,409 vaccination booths across the state for this year’s Pulse Polio programme. In addition, 682 supervisors will be responsible for monitoring the entire campaign. For children who are unable to receive the vaccine on Sunday, ASHA workers and health staff will go door-to-door on December 22 and 23, 2025, to administer the polio dose.

According to district-wise targets, polio vaccination will be administered to 68,348 children in West Tripura district, 28,100 in Unakoti district, 36,389 in South Tripura district, 47,656 in Sepahijala district, 45,772 in North Tripura district, 29,948 in Khowai district, 36,976 in Gomati district, and 47,685 in Dhalai district.

Among others present at the programme were Special Secretary of the Education Department Ravel Hemendra Kumar, Mission Director of the National Health Mission Saju Wahid A, District Magistrate and Collector of West Tripura Dr. Vishal Kumar, Director of Health Services Dr. Debashi Debbarma, Director of Family Welfare and Preventive Medicine Dr. Anjan Das, along with several other administrative and health department officials.