Mandya: Mandya MLA P Ravikumar Gowda has called upon parents to ensure that every child below the age of 5 receives the Pulse Polio vaccine, stressing that universal immunisation is essential to keep the district free from polio.Speaking after inaugurating the National Pulse Polio immunisation programme at the Govt Junior Urdu School in Sadat Nagar, Guttalu, on Sunday, the MLA said the vaccination drive is being conducted across the district from June 28 to July 1. He urged parents not to miss the opportunity to vaccinate their children.Addressing the gathering, zilla panchayat CEO KR Nandini said India was declared polio-free by the World Health Organization in 2014. However, she pointed out that the Pulse Polio campaign continues as a precautionary measure since cases of the disease are still being reported in neighbouring countries such as Pakistan and Afghanistan.She appealed to parents to cooperate with health authorities by ensuring that all children in the 0-5 age group receive the vaccine during the campaign, thereby contributing to the country’s continued polio-free status.Meera Shivalingaiah, secretary of SB Education Trust and president of the Red Cross Society, district dealth and family welfare officer Dr K Mohan were also present.
