201/2025-2026

Aizawl, 22nd August, 2025 : A meeting of the State Task Force on Immunization (STFI) was held today at the SAD Conference Hall, MINECO, where discussions were made regarding the upcoming Pulse-Polio Sub-National Immunization Day (SNID) to be observed in October this year.

The meeting was chaired by Dr. Lalthlengliani, Principal Director, Health & Family Welfare Department and Co-Chairman, STFI, who expressed gratitude to the members for their attendance and urged everyone to work together effectively. She stated that although India has been declared a polio-free country since 2014, the risk of re-emergence remains high due to our close proximity with neighbouring countries where polio cases still surface, and because of the frequent movement of people. For this reason, the SNID will be held on October 14, 2025, specifically in the four districts along the international borders – Lunglei, Siaha, Champhai and Lawngtlai – though not across the entire state.

The Pulse Polio vaccine is to be administered to children under five years of age. In preparation, several activities have been lined up:

On August 19, 2025, an online training session for DIOs, MOs, and Data Operators was conducted.

By September 5, 2025, district-level micro-plans will be finalized.

In the second week of September, physical training for Vaccinators and Supervisors will be held.

In the third week of September, a review meeting and assessment will take place.

On October 14, a mass vaccination drive will be conducted at designated sites.

On October 15 and 16, house-to-house vaccination will be carried out for children who missed the earlier round.

On October 21, 2025, a final review will be undertaken.

During the meeting, issues faced in reaching difficult and hard-to-access areas were discussed, along with ways to improve the strategy. Plans for collaboration with MHIP, YMA, YLA, MTP, school teachers, nursing institutions, BSF, and Assam Rifles were also shared, as well as methods for community awareness and mobilization.

In the meeting, Dr. Lily Chhakchhuak, Mission Director, National Health Mission, Mizoram, delivered the keynote address, and Dr. Lalhlimpuii, Surveillance Medical Officer, NPSP-WHO, Aizawl Unit, presented a report.

Officials from the Health & Family Welfare Department, NHM Mizoram, WHO, UNICEF, Social Welfare Department, School Education, DIPR, MHIP, and LADC representatives also attended the meeting.