The Telangana Health Department is gearing up for a vital special Pulse Polio vaccination drive across six districts this coming Sunday, October 12th. This initiative is part of a larger national effort to safeguard against the potential return of the disease.
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has carefully chosen 290 districts nationwide for this campaign, prioritizing regions that see substantial population movement from countries still battling active polio cases. Notably, Bangladesh and Pakistan have reported new polio infections within the last three years, highlighting the ongoing risk.
In Telangana, the focus will be on Hyderabad, Rangareddy, Medchal Malkajgiri, Sangareddy, Hanamkonda, and Warangal districts. Health officials anticipate vaccinating approximately 17.56 lakh children under the age of five in these areas with the oral polio vaccine. Parents are strongly encouraged to ensure all eligible children, from newborns up to five years old, receive this crucial immunization.
India proudly achieved a major milestone, reporting its last polio case in 2011. Specifically for Telangana (when it was part of United Andhra Pradesh), the last recorded polio case was back in 2007, showcasing the success of past vaccination efforts.