Dakshina Kannada Launches Pulse Polio Drive for 141,594 Children

The 2025 Pulse Polio immunisation programme is set to take place in Dakshina Kannada district on December 21. During this campaign, a total of 141,594 children under the age of five will receive the critical polio vaccine. This announcement was made by Dr H R Thimmayya, the district health and family welfare officer, at a press conference on December 18.

Dr Thimmayya outlined the extensive preparations being implemented to achieve full immunisation coverage. A total of 956 vaccination booths will operate in the district, including 921 fixed booths, 32 transit booths, and three mobile booths located within Mangaluru city. The distribution of vaccination efforts will vary across localities, aiming for targeted coverage: 29,203 children in Bantwal, 18,091 in Belthangady, 66,062 in Mangaluru, 19,958 in Puttur, and 8,280 in Sullia.

To ensure smooth operations on vaccination day, there will be 202 booths in Bantwal, 166 in Belthangady, 363 in Mangaluru, 148 in Puttur, and 77 in Sullia. Transit teams will also administer the vaccine at locations such as bus stands, railway stations, and the airport, ensuring that children who are travelling are not overlooked.

Dr Thimmayya emphasized, “Every effort will be made to ensure that not a single child is left unvaccinated.” On December 21, children aged zero to five will receive two drops of the polio vaccine from 08:00 to 17:00. For those unable to attend on this date, follow-up immunisation will occur through door-to-door visits, with urban areas covered on December 22, 23, and 24, while rural areas will be addressed on December 22 and 23.

The significance of this immunisation effort cannot be overstated. The Pulse Polio campaign, which began in 1995, has yielded remarkable results in reducing polio cases. Polio is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads primarily through contaminated food or water, leading to severe physical disability, particularly in children under five. Initial symptoms include sore throat, headache, and muscle pain, which can escalate to serious nervous system damage.

Dr Thimmayya pointed out that India last reported a polio case on January 13, 2011, while Karnataka’s last case was in 2007. The nation was officially declared free from polio on March 27, 2014, marking a significant public health achievement.

In attendance at the press conference were RCH officer Dr Rajesh and health education officer Jyothi, both of whom support this vital public health initiative. The upcoming Pulse Polio drive represents a concerted effort to ensure the continued eradication of this debilitating disease, underscoring the commitment to child health in Dakshina Kannada district.