Namchi, May 28 (IPR): A meeting of the District Task Force on Immunisation (DTFI) was convened under the chairpersonship of the District Collector, Namchi, Ms Anupa Tamling at the chamber of the District Collector, DAC Namchi, today.
The meeting focused on strengthening preparedness for the forthcoming Pulse Polio Immunisation drive, the Stop Diarrhoea Campaign, and other ongoing child health and immunisation initiatives in the district.
At the outset, the District Collector emphasised the need for sustained community engagement to enhance awareness on the benefits of immunisation. She underlined that sensitisation activities must be strategically designed to address hesitancy, misinformation and concerns surrounding vaccination, thereby ensuring wider community acceptance and improved coverage.
She further directed officials to identify unvaccinated and hard-to-reach beneficiaries and ensure their inclusion through targeted counselling and follow-up mechanisms. Stressing equity in health service delivery, she called for the mapping of high-risk and underserved areas where additional vaccination booths may be required.
She also highlighted the importance of addressing systemic and local barriers affecting the achievement of 100 per cent immunisation coverage, and ensuring coordinated resolution through inter-departmental convergence.
Additionally, she stressed the importance of involving the Sikkim State AIDS Control Society (SSACS) in relevant coordination forums. She directed the Chief Medical Officer to collaborate with SSACS for improved data collection on HIV cases in the district, alongside strengthening awareness programmes focused on prevention, testing, and stigma reduction.
Earlier, the DRCHO Dr B K Chauhan, provided a detailed briefing on poliomyelitis, describing it as a highly infectious disease that can cause irreversible paralysis or even death. He reiterated that continued immunisation efforts remain essential in view of persistent risks of cross-border transmission.
He also presented the outcomes of the previous Pulse Polio campaign conducted on 21st December 2025, during which 8,639 beneficiaries were vaccinated against a target of 8,512, thereby surpassing the expected coverage. He stated that such achievements reflect strengthened outreach and contribute significantly to sustaining population immunity and preventing the re-emergence of wild poliovirus in polio-free regions.
Outlining the upcoming National Immunisation Day (NID–IPPI) campaign scheduled for 28th June 2026, he informed that vaccination activities will be carried out through booth-based sessions, transit points, and door-to-door mobilisation by teams comprising four to five members.
He further updated the house on the HPV vaccination campaign initiated on 28th February 2026, reporting that 259 beneficiaries have been vaccinated out of a target of 282.
He also briefed on the Stop Diarrhoea Campaign which will commence from 1st June to 31st July 2026 for the period of two months. The programme aims to reach 7,302 children aged 0–5 years along with their caregivers. ORS and Zinc tablets will be distributed through household visits, complemented by demonstrations on correct preparation and administration. The campaign will also include structured handwashing demonstrations in primary and junior secondary schools across the district to promote hygiene and preventive health practices.
A brief discussion on PCPNDT Act 1994 was also done where CNO Bijay Laxmi Rai apprised the house about the registration of two more clinics in the district.
The meeting was attended by Dir cum CMO Dr Junita Yonzon, Chief Education Officer Mr G P Sharma, District Information Officer Ms Deepti Pradhan, Paediatrician (District Hospital Namchi) Dr Roshan Poudyal, Officers from the Health and ICDS departments, along with representatives from DRISHTI NGO.
Report From DIO Namchi