Unakoti district reviews preparedness for National Immunization Day 2025 as the District Task Force meets in Kailashahar to ensure full Pulse Polio coverage, robust logistics, public awareness, and zero missed children across all vulnerable and remote areas.
In a decisive step toward strengthening public health preparedness, the District Task Force for Immunization (DTFI) convened a special review meeting on Wednesday at the District Magistrate’s Conference Hall in Kailashahar to finalize arrangements for the upcoming National Immunization Day (NID) 2025, popularly known as the Pulse Polio Programme.
The meeting underscored the administration’s commitment to achieving complete immunization coverage across Unakoti district, with a strong focus on reaching every eligible child.
The meeting was organized by the Unakoti District Health and Family Welfare Department and was chaired by the District Magistrate and Collector, Dr. Tamal Majumdar. Senior health officials, including District Chief Medical Officer Dr. Shirshedu Chakma and District Immunization Officer Dr. Sandipan Bhattacharyya, attended the session along with officers from various line departments. Representatives from education, social welfare, and administrative wings were also present, highlighting the multi-departmental approach adopted for the campaign.
During the meeting, officials conducted a comprehensive review of administrative preparedness, logistics, manpower deployment, and vaccine availability ahead of the Pulse Polio Abhiyan scheduled for December 21.
Detailed discussions focused on ensuring uninterrupted supply of oral polio vaccines, maintenance of the cold-chain system, and effective monitoring mechanisms during the immunization drive. Health authorities assured that all necessary arrangements were in place to conduct the campaign smoothly and efficiently.
Addressing the meeting, District Magistrate Dr. Tamal Majumdar emphasized that the core objective of National Immunization Day is to protect every child from preventable diseases, particularly polio. He categorically stated that no child should be left out of the programme under any circumstances.
Stressing inclusive coverage, he directed officials to give special attention to vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations, including tea garden areas, border villages along the India–Bangladesh frontier, refugee settlements, and hilly or forested habitations.
Health officials informed the meeting that the target population for the campaign includes all children in the age group of 0 to 5 years across Unakoti district. To meet this target, a total of 281 polio booths will be set up at strategic locations such as schools, anganwadi centres, community halls, and busy public places. Each booth will be staffed by trained health workers, supported by ASHA volunteers and local helpers, to ensure smooth service delivery and proper record-keeping.
Special emphasis was placed on maintaining vaccine safety and potency. Officials confirmed that adequate cold-chain infrastructure, including ice-lined refrigerators, vaccine carriers, and temperature monitoring systems, has been arranged. Transportation facilities have also been secured to ensure timely distribution of vaccines to all booth locations, including remote and interior areas.
Following the booth-based immunization activities on the first day, health teams will undertake extensive house-to-house visits in subsequent days. This strategy aims to identify and immunize children who may have missed the booth sessions due to mobility issues, lack of awareness, or other constraints. Supervisory teams will monitor field activities to ensure accuracy, accountability, and complete coverage.
Recognizing the importance of community participation, the district administration has planned wide-ranging Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities to raise public awareness about the Pulse Polio Programme. These initiatives will include LED screen advertisements at prominent locations, awareness rallies, display of banners and posters, microphone announcements in marketplaces and villages, and interpersonal communication campaigns. Local public representatives and community leaders will be engaged to motivate families and dispel misconceptions related to immunization.
The District Magistrate further directed the Education and Social Welfare Departments to play a proactive role in the awareness drive. Anganwadi workers and primary school teachers will be encouraged to inform parents about the importance of polio vaccination and remind them of booth locations and dates. The coordinated efforts of multiple departments are expected to enhance outreach and ensure community trust in the programme.
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Concluding the meeting, the District Health and Family Welfare Department appealed to all parents and guardians to actively participate in National Immunization Day by bringing their children below five years of age to the nearest polio booth. Officials reiterated that polio drops are safe, free of cost, and essential for safeguarding children’s health. Reaffirming the national commitment to eradication of polio, the department urged citizens to support the campaign under the enduring slogan, “Two drops for life,” and contribute toward building a healthy, polio-free future for Unakoti district and the nation at large.
