The Intensified Pulse Polio Immunisation (IPPI) campaign was launched across Manipur on Sunday with health authorities urging parents and guardians to ensure that every child below five years of age receives oral polio vaccine to protect them from the crippling disease.
The campaign was formally launched in several districts, including Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Ukhrul, Senapati, Tengnoupal, Kamjong, Tamenglong, Nungba, Kakching, Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Pherzawl. The programme is being implemented by the respective District Health Societies in collaboration with the Department of Health and Family Welfare and the National Health Mission, Manipur.
Health officials across the districts highlighted that although India has remained polio-free for more than a decade, sustained immunisation is essential to prevent the re-emergence of the disease, particularly in view of continued global risks.
In Churachandpur, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ph. Henkhoneng Mate launched the campaign by administering oral polio drops to children at the District Hospital. She appealed to parents to bring all children below five years to vaccination booths, stressing that polio can cause lifelong disability and that routine immunisation against all vaccine-preventable diseases should not be neglected. District health authorities have established 321 vaccination booths with a target of immunising 27,190 children, followed by house-to-house visits on June 29 and 30.
In Kangpokpi, the District Health Society launched the IPPI campaign alongside the Stop Diarrhoea Campaign 2026. Additional Deputy Commissioner Lamminlal Simte urged community participation, while District Immunisation Officer Dr. Mangboi Haokip emphasised the need to vaccinate every child below five years irrespective of previous immunisation status, citing the district’s proximity to international borders. District Nodal Officer (Child Health) Dr. Lhingdei Thangeo highlighted the importance of Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS), Zinc supplementation and hygiene awareness in preventing child deaths due to diarrhoea. The district has set a target of vaccinating 15,556 children through 154 vaccination booths.
In Pherzawl, the campaign was inaugurated at the Community Health Centre, Parbung, by Medical Officer-in-Charge Dr. Thanglienzuol and Parbung Village Authority Chairman Zothansang, who administered oral polio drops to children. Health officials informed that 59 vaccination booths have been established across the district with a target of immunising 3,414 children. The campaign will continue with house-to-house visits on June 29 followed by a mop-up drive on June 30.
The three-day campaign includes booth-based immunisation, vaccination at transit points and door-to-door visits to ensure that no eligible child is left out. Health authorities have appealed to parents and guardians across the state to cooperate with frontline workers and ensure complete immunisation coverage for all children below five years of age.
