Tamil Nadu Polio Drive: 53 Lakh Children, 2 Lakh Workers

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay launched a statewide polio vaccination drive on Sunday, aiming to reach about 53 lakh children under five. The National Pulse Polio Immunisation campaign activates more than 43,000 centres across the state, staffed by over two lakh health workers, anganwadi staff, teachers, and volunteers. Operations run from 7 am to 5 pm at government hospitals, primary health centres, schools, colleges, and anganwadis.

Vijay administered the oral polio vaccine at a higher secondary school in Palavakkam, joined by Health Minister Dr KG Arunraj. Public Works and Sports Development Minister Aadhav Arjuna inaugurated parallel camps at a primary health centre and a maternity hospital in the city.

Mobile teams are reaching remote and hilly areas, with targeted efforts for children of migrant labourers. Transit booths at railway stations, bus stands, airports, toll plazas, and check-posts will operate June 29 and 30 to vaccinate travelling families.

The programme is designed to maintain Tamil Nadu's polio-free status, a goal that relies on covering every child under five. The previous national pulse polio round in March 2024 achieved 98.7% coverage across the state, officials said.