Even a decade after India was declared polio-free in 2014, Uttarakhand continues to treat the threat of the crippling disease with seriousness. From routine immunization to targeted campaigns, the state’s efforts remain robust and multi-layered, ensuring that no child is left unprotected.
Pulse Polio Campaigns Continue
Earlier this year, Uttarakhand joined the nationwide Pulse Polio campaign, with a drive held between March 3 and March 9, 2024. Thousands of vaccinators set up booths, went door-to-door, and manned mobile and transit teams to administer oral polio drops to children under five. The participation of health workers, NGOs, and local communities ensured extensive coverage even in remote mountain areas.
Officials stress that these campaigns are not symbolic. “As long as wild polio remains a risk in parts of the world, we cannot afford complacency,” a senior health officer noted, pointing to the global health advisories that call for continued vigilance.
Routine Immunization Under UIP
Alongside mass campaigns, Uttarakhand’s polio protection is built into the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP). Newborns receive oral polio vaccine (OPV) drops at birth, followed by scheduled doses in infancy and a booster through the Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV). This layering of both oral and injectable vaccines ensures a stronger shield against the virus.
In health centres across the state, from Dehradun to Chamoli, Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) play a frontline role in tracking children, especially those in remote hamlets, and ensuring they receive their full immunization schedule.
Polio Immunisation Days and Beyond
Special observances like Polio Immunisation Day—celebrated nationally in February 2025—add another layer of outreach. On such days, Uttarakhand’s health workers redouble their efforts to reach children aged 0–6 years, making the campaign visible and reinforcing public trust in vaccination.
These initiatives dovetail with Mission Indradhanush, which seeks to expand overall immunization coverage to 90% by targeting communities often left out due to geography or social barriers. In Uttarakhand, this mission is particularly vital for hill villages where terrain can make access difficult.
Why It Matters
Though India has not seen a wild polio case in over a decade, experts caution that the risk of importation from neighbouring regions remains. Regular immunization, therefore, is not only a safeguard for children in Uttarakhand but also part of India’s commitment to maintaining its polio-free status globally.
Local doctors also highlight another benefit: these mass campaigns strengthen the state’s public health system, training workers, building awareness, and preparing teams for future health emergencies.
In a Nutshell
Uttarakhand’s approach—combining routine immunization, special campaigns, awareness drives, and last-mile delivery—illustrates how layered strategies can keep the disease at bay. For families in villages and towns alike, the reassurance lies in a simple ritual: a child being held gently as two life-saving drops are placed on their tongue.
As one health worker in Almora put it, “Every drop we give is a promise—that no child in Uttarakhand will suffer from polio again.”
