MLA urges to administer polio drops to eligible children

The news about a Zilla Panchayat conducting a polio drop administration drive, as announced by its CEO, Lavish Ordia, highlights India's unwavering commitment to maintaining its polio-free status. This four-day campaign, from December 21 to 24, aimed to ensure all eligible children received polio drops compulsorily, underscoring the continuous vigilance required in public health.

**Background Context: India's Polio Eradication Journey**

India's journey from being one of the most polio-endemic countries to achieving polio-free status is a remarkable public health success story. Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a highly infectious viral disease that primarily affects young children and can lead to irreversible paralysis. Globally, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) was launched in 1988 with the goal of eradicating polio worldwide. India adopted this mission with significant challenges, including a large population, high birth rates, poor sanitation, and difficulty reaching remote areas.

To combat the disease, India launched the Pulse Polio Immunization (PPI) program in 1995. This involved mass vaccination campaigns, administering oral polio vaccine (OPV) to millions of children under five years of age multiple times a year. The strategy focused on reaching every child, even in the most inaccessible regions, through extensive logistical planning and dedicated healthcare workers. The last case of wild poliovirus in India was reported on January 13, 2011, in Howrah, West Bengal. Following three consecutive years without any new cases, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially certified India as polio-free on March 27, 2014. This achievement was a testament to persistent efforts, innovative strategies, and massive community participation.

**What Happened: The Zilla Panchayat's Initiative**

The recent drive, initiated by a Zilla Panchayat and announced by its CEO, Lavish Ordia, is a continuation of these critical public health efforts. A Zilla Panchayat, as a district-level local self-governing body, plays a pivotal role in implementing health programs at the grassroots. The four-day campaign, from December 21 to 24, aimed to ensure that all eligible children received polio drops. The emphasis on 'compulsorily' highlights the public health imperative to achieve universal coverage and prevent any resurgence of the virus, even years after eradication.

**Key Stakeholders Involved**

Several stakeholders are crucial in such public health campaigns. The **Zilla Panchayat** (local self-government) is a primary implementer, responsible for planning, organizing, and executing the drive at the district level. Its CEO, Lavish Ordia, represents the administrative leadership. **State Health Departments** provide policy guidance, resources, and oversight. The **Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare** sets national policies, funds programs like the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), and coordinates with international bodies. **International organizations** like WHO and UNICEF provide technical support, surveillance, and global coordination. **Rotary International** has been a major partner in fundraising and advocacy for polio eradication globally. Most importantly, **healthcare workers, Anganwadi workers, and volunteers** are the frontline warriors, administering drops and mobilizing communities. Finally, the **community and parents** are vital stakeholders, as their participation and acceptance of vaccination are paramount for success.

**Why This Matters for India**

Maintaining polio-free status is of immense significance for India. **Public Health** is the immediate beneficiary, protecting future generations from a debilitating disease. It prevents the re-establishment of the virus, which could occur if vaccination rates drop, especially given that polio remains endemic in a few countries (e.g., Pakistan, Afghanistan). **Socially**, it means fewer children suffering from paralysis, leading to a healthier, more productive populace and reduced burden on families and the healthcare system. **Economically**, the long-term benefits include reduced healthcare expenditure on treating polio cases and rehabilitation, and increased productivity as healthy individuals contribute to the economy. **Internationally**, India's success serves as a model for other developing nations and reinforces its standing as a country capable of executing large-scale public health interventions. This ongoing vigilance also strengthens India's overall public health infrastructure, which can be leveraged for other health initiatives.

**Constitutional Articles, Acts, and Policies**

The state's responsibility in public health is enshrined in the **Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)**, particularly **Article 47**, which states that the State shall regard the raising of the level of nutrition and the standard of living of its people and the improvement of public health as among its primary duties. This provides the constitutional basis for government-led health initiatives like polio drives. The **73rd Amendment Act of 1992** empowered Panchayati Raj Institutions (like Zilla Panchayats) with responsibilities, including health and sanitation, making them critical implementers of such drives at the local level. The **National Health Policy (NHP) 2017** reiterates the commitment to achieving universal access to good quality healthcare services, including comprehensive immunization, as a key component of public health. The **Universal Immunization Programme (UIP)**, launched in 1985, is one of the largest public health programs globally, providing free vaccines against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases, including polio, to all eligible children and pregnant women.

**Future Implications**

The continued administration of polio drops, even after achieving polio-free status, highlights the need for perpetual vigilance. The threat of re-introduction of the virus from endemic countries persists, necessitating robust surveillance and maintaining high population immunity. Future implications include strengthening routine immunization programs to ensure sustainable protection, addressing vaccine hesitancy through effective communication strategies, and continually upgrading public health infrastructure. India's experience also offers valuable lessons for tackling other communicable diseases and strengthening its preparedness for future health crises, aligning with the broader goal of achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being.