Ensuring Polio-Mukt Jammu & Kashmir

The successful execution of the Pulse Polio drive across Jammu & Kashmir stands as a vital testament to organised public health resolve. The campaign, aimed at administering oral polio vaccines to every child under five, is a critical safeguard for the community’s future and a bulwark protecting the hard-earned polio-free status of the region and the nation. Such large-scale immunisation efforts embody a profound commitment to preventive healthcare. The sheer scale of the operation, with thousands of booths, mobile teams, and tens of thousands of frontline health workers, highlights a coordinated machinery dedicated to reaching the last child, even in the most remote and difficult terrains. The dedication of these workers, who tirelessly ensure that the ‘two drops’ reach every household, forms the backbone of this success and deserves our deepest appreciation. The significance of this campaign extends beyond the immediate act of vaccination. It reinforces a culture of proactive health consciousness, that community protection is a shared responsibility. The call for parents and guardians to ensure their children participate is a reminder that public health triumphs are built on a partnership between the state and its citizens. Sustaining a polio-free environment requires this very vigilance, where high immunisation coverage acts as a collective shield against the potential re-emergence of the virus. As we acknowledge this achievement, the focus must now remain unwavering on the ultimate goal: total and permanent eradication. This requires maintaining rigorous surveillance systems, ensuring no child is missed in subsequent rounds, and integrating this momentum into the broader framework of routine immunisation. The drive must also catalyse efforts to strengthen overall primary healthcare infrastructure. The fight against polio is a marathon, not a sprint. Each successful campaign brings us closer to the finish line, protecting not just individual children but also securing the health of the entire society. It is a mission where there is no room for complacency, and every child vaccinated represents a step toward a safer, healthier future for all.