Agartala, December 20, 2025: National Immunization Day will be observed across Tripura on December 21 (Sunday) with the conduct of the Pulse Polio Immunization Programme, aiming to administer oral polio vaccine to more than 3.40 lakh children aged 0–5 years across the state.

Addressing a press conference in Agartala on Saturday afternoon, Mission Director, National Health Mission (NHM), Saju Vaheed A, said that although India has remained polio-free for the past 14 years, continued vigilance is essential in view of polio cases reported in some neighbouring countries.

“Polio can return if regular immunisation is compromised. To safeguard India’s polio-free status, the Pulse Polio programme is being conducted with full preparedness in Tripura,” Saju Vaheed said.

Under the campaign, children below five years will be given two drops of oral polio vaccine, which protects them from lifelong disability caused by the disease. The state has made extensive arrangements, setting up 3,409 vaccination booths at schools, sub-health centres, Anganwadi centres, hospitals and other temporary locations.

The NHM MD informed that 13,636 vaccinators have been deployed for the drive, supported by 682 supervisors, to ensure smooth implementation. District-wise targets include 68,348 children in West Tripura, 47,685 in Dhalai, 47,656 in Sepahijala, 45,772 in North Tripura, 36,976 in Gomati, 36,389 in South Tripura, 29,948 in Khowai and 28,100 in Unakoti.

“No child should be left out. Special emphasis has been given to awareness generation and supervision so that every eligible child receives the vaccine,” Saju Vaheed stressed.

Children who miss the dose on December 21 will be covered during house-to-house visits on December 22 and 23, carried out by ASHA workers and health staff. A total of 4.32 lakh doses of b-OPV vaccine have been allotted to Tripura to ensure adequate availability.

Reiterating the campaign’s message, the NHM urged parents to cooperate with health workers, stating: “Two drops today, a healthy future tomorrow.”

The press conference was also attended by Dr Nupur Debbarma, Joint Mission Director, NHM; Dr Souvik Debbarma, Member Secretary, Health & Family Welfare Society; and Dr Sribas Debbarma, State Immunization Officer, along with other senior officials.