Gurugram  – The National Immunization Day (NID), pulse polio round was inaugurated by Sh. Sudhir Singla ji MLA, Gurugram at Polyclinic Sec 31 on 3rd March 2024. Rotary International along with the World Health Organization supported the immunization drive.

National Immunization Day emphasizes the important role of immunization in preventing and controlling vaccine-preventable diseases. Immunization is key to child survival. Missing Routine Immunization (RI) can be life-threatening for infants. Yet more than half of the world’s most vulnerable children still miss out on the essential vaccines they need to survive and live healthy lives. Globally, 1.5 million deaths could be avoided if children were vaccinated.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Nischal Pandey from Rotary International said, “Even after 10 years of being declared Polio-free, the threat from the virus persists as India shares borders with Pakistan and Afghanistan, who continue to be Polio endemic.”

India has made substantial progress in improving health indicators over the last two decades, particularly in child health. The country achieved certification as Polio-free in 2014 and eliminated maternal and neonatal tetanus in 2015, marking a decade of Polio-free India. These milestones signify India’s commitment to ensuring the health and well-being of its citizens.

A virtual discussion was held today, with Mr. Deepak Kapur, Chairman of Rotary International’s India National Polio Plus Committee (RI-INPPC), and Dr. Ashish Chauhan, Immunization Specialist at UNICEF India who highlighted the important role of immunization in preventing and controlling vaccine-preventable diseases.