293/2025-2026

Lunglei, 14 October 2025: As part of the nationwide Sub-National Immunisation Day (SNID) for administering polio vaccines to children under five years of age, a district-wide immunisation drive was conducted today across Lunglei District.

A total of 199 vaccination booths were set up across 157 villages, along with 3 transit camps, to ensure that every eligible child received the oral polio vaccine (OPV).

The district-level launch programme was held at Lunglei Venglai Anganwadi Centre-I, where Deputy Commissioner Pi Navneet Mann formally inaugurated the SNID campaign for Lunglei District. Speaking on the occasion, she emphasised that although India has been declared polio-free, continued vaccination is essential to safeguard children against potential re-importation of the virus from neighbouring countries. She highlighted the importance of teamwork and community participation for the successful implementation of the three-day immunisation campaign and urged health workers to ensure complete coverage of all eligible children under five.

The programme was organised under the supervision of District Immunisation Officer Dr Christina Zonunmawii, who briefed the gathering on the objectives and significance of SNID, as well as the district's action plan for SNID. Following the launch, Deputy Commissioner Pi Navneet Mann and other officials administered the first drops of the oral polio vaccine to children present at the venue. Child Development Project Officer Pi R. Lalhmingliani proposed the vote of thanks.

This year, SNID is being implemented in four health districts of Mizoram — Champhai (covering Champhai and Khawzawl districts), Lunglei (covering Lunglei and Hnahthial districts), Lawngtlai and Siaha. During the campaign, all children born after 14 October 2020 and below five years of age are to be administered two drops of the oral polio vaccine.

Lunglei District has a target of 12,028 children to be immunised during the SNID drive. As of 3:00 p.m. today, a total of 5,406 children had been vaccinated — 44.9% of the district target — with reports from several villages still awaited. For those missed during today's booth activity, health teams comprising Health & Wellness Officers, Health Workers, ASHA and Anganwadi Workers will conduct house-to-house visits on 15 and 16 October to ensure complete coverage.

India recorded its last case of polio on 13 January 2011, and was officially declared polio-free by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on 27 March 2014. However, due to the continued detection of polio cases in some neighbouring countries, periodic SNID drives remain necessary to maintain the nation's polio-free status.

Lunglei District also continues its environmental surveillance, with stool samples collected regularly for laboratory testing to monitor for any possible presence of the poliovirus. Between April and August 2025, three samples were collected — all tested negative for the virus.