Madikeri: The Pulse Polio campaign for children under five was launched across Kodagu district on Sunday. MLA AS Ponnanna administered polio drops to children at his home office in Virajpet, while MLA Manthar Gowda inaugurated the drive at the taluk hospital in Somwarpet.The MLAs said that although India is polio-free, cases still exist in other countries, necessitating continued vigilance. They called for mandatory polio drops for all children below five years.Indian Red Cross Society president Ravindra Rai said that several organisations, including the United Nations, Rotary and the Red Cross, are working hand in hand with the govt to eradicate polio.District health and family welfare officer Dr Satish Kumar said there are 29,011 children under the age of five in Kodagu district. Of these, 26,373 are in rural areas, and 2,638 are in urban areas, all identified for the vaccination drive. He added that migrant children have also been identified.RCH officer Dr Madhusudan said 471 booths have been set up across the district for the Pulse Polio programme. He added that 33 transit booths have been opened at crowded areas, bus stands and tourist centres, with one mobile team deployed in Madikeri taluk.
