Tamil Nadu Celebrates 21 Years of Polio-Free Status

Tamil Nadu has proudly maintained its status as a polio-free state for the past 21 years, according to the state’s Health Minister Ma Subramanian. This announcement was made during the launch of a polio vaccination camp in Chengalpattu, a key district in the state’s ongoing health initiatives.

The government has set an ambitious target to vaccinate 7.88 lakh infants in six districts identified as vulnerable to poliovirus, especially in light of recent outbreaks in neighboring countries. The six districts selected for this initiative—Chengalpattu, Mayiladuthurai, Sivagangai, Thanjavur, Tirunelveli, and Virudhunagar—are among 269 districts flagged by the India Experts Advisory Group (IEAG) as at risk for polio.

Vaccination Campaign Details

Minister Subramanian explained that the vaccination camps will be held at 7,091 locations, including primary health centers, government hospitals, and anganwadi centers. He emphasized the importance of these efforts in ensuring the continued safety of the state’s children against the resurgence of polio.

In addition to these established centers, the vaccination campaign will extend to bus terminals, railway stations, and airports. To facilitate the smooth operation of the camps, over 27,000 volunteers—including sanitary workers and teachers—have been mobilized, alongside approximately 320 government vehicles dedicated to providing mobile vaccination services.

Community Support and Future Goals

Minister Subramanian called for collective efforts from all stakeholders, stating, “Let us all unite to ensure that Tamil Nadu remains a polio-free state and safeguard the babies against the spread of the virus.” His message was echoed by local officials, including Chengalpattu district collector D Sneha, MLA E Karunanidhi, and Tambaram Corporation Mayor Vasantha Kumari Kamalakannan, who attended the launch event.

As the vaccination campaign unfolds, officials remain vigilant in their mission to protect the health of infants across Tamil Nadu. The government’s proactive approach underscores the importance of immunization in public health efforts, reinforcing the state’s commitment to eradicating polio completely.