Pulse Polio

Pulse Polio is an immunization campaign established by the government of India in 1995-96 to eradicate poliomyelitis (polio) in India by vaccinating all children under the age five years against poliovirus.This project deals with the ways to fight poliomyelitis through a large scale immunization programme, co-operating with a various international institutions, state governments and Non Governmental Organizations.

About Polio

Poliomyelitis, often referred to as polio, is contagious disease caused by poliovirus. It spreads quickly form one person to another mostly affecting children under 3 years of age. To less than 1% who are severely infected, it may lead to lifelong paralysis (Atkinson, 2007). There is no known cure for polio, and hence, prevention by vaccines becomes necessary.

Causes

• Fever
• Headache
• Stiffness in the neck
• Fatigue
• Vomiting
• Pain in the limbs

There are two types of polio vaccines known. The first one, developed by Jonas Salk consists of inactivated polio virus which is injected in the bodies of children. The second one, commonly known as the Oral Polio Vaccine(OPV), was developed by Albert Sabin consists of attenuated polio virus.

Key Objectives

Pulse Polio Initiavtive (PPI) aims at covering each an every individual in the country. It aspires to reach even the remote children through improved social mobilization plan.

• Not a single child should miss the immunization and leave no chance of polio occurrence.
• Cases of Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) to be reported in time and stool specimens of them to be collected within 14 days. Outbreak Response Immunization (ORI)to be conducted as early as possible.
• India to be polio -free by 2005.

See also

• Healthcare in India
• Vaccination
• India vaccinates nearly 80 million children
• Pulse Polio
• Indian Governance
• Polio Vaccine