Udupi, June 26: Although India has maintained its polio-free status for over 14 years, the risk of wild poliovirus resurgence persists globally, particularly due to active cases in neighboring countries. With Pakistan reporting 1 case and Afghanistan documenting 3 cases so far in 2026, India continues its preemptive immunization surveillance. Following recommendations from the India Expert Advisory Group, the national government has scheduled the National Immunization Day (Pulse Polio) for Sunday, June 28, to safeguard children aged 0-5.

In Udupi district, a target population of 65,401 children under five years of age has been identified, comprising 51,711 in rural segments and 13,690 in urban limits. On June 28, polio drops will be administered at designated booths. To ensure zero omissions, a comprehensive door-to-door mop-up campaign will be conducted in rural areas on June 29 and 30, and extended in urban pockets from June 29 to July 1.

The district administration has formulated a robust network of 665 vaccination booths, including 571 in rural zones and 94 in urban areas. To cover transit hubs, 19 transit booths and 3 mobile units have been mobilized. The extensive field operation will be powered by 2,660 trained volunteers and 134 supervisors, monitored continuously by medical officers and senior staff from the Department of Health and Family Welfare.

The program is being executed under the institutional guidance of the District Administration, drawing inter-departmental synergy from Health, Panchayat Raj, Education, Women and Child Development, Urban Local Bodies, and Revenue departments, alongside non-governmental organizations. The Deputy Commissioner has appealed to all citizens, including migrant laborers and slum dwellers, to strictly ensure that their children receive the critical vaccine.

Inauguration: The district-level Pulse Polio campaign will be officially inaugurated at the Government Mother and Child Hospital, Udupi, on June 28 at 8:00 AM. State Minister for Health and Family Welfare, U.T. Khader, will inaugurate the initiative, while Udupi MLA Yashpal A. Suvarna will preside over the function, according to an official release from the Deputy Commissioner’s office.

GangolliNews