Campaign on polio and routine immunisation turns a new leaf : Kolkata

Campaign on routine immunisation and vaccination against polio turns a new leaf in Kolkata. On Friday school children planted saplings and pledged to spread awareness on immunisation. The campaign 'Nurturing trees, nurturing lives', is aimed at addressing polio associated risk factors in order to prevent polio virus importation.
The campaign was kicked off at Loreto Entally where saplings were state government officials, representatives from UNICEF, members of Adani Group planted saplings along with the children.

Nearly 1.6 million children under the age of 5 years die in India every year. A large number of these deaths can be prevented with these life saving vaccines. With India's remarkable progress against polio this year, the polio eradication programme priorities have shifted to addressing polio associated risk factors to prevent polio-virus importation, the most important being boosting Routine Immunization coverage.

In this campaign, the sapling is synonymous of a child who needs to be nurtured and protected against diseases, just as the sapling needs to be watered and cared for to grow into a healthy tree. The launch will lead to a plantation drive in nine districts in West Bengal including Kolkata, Howrah and North 24 Parganas.

Over 500 educational institutions across the country are expected to participate in the year-long campaign. Around 36,000 saplings are to be planted by youth and children who would pledge to spread awareness on Routine Immunization vaccines and polio immunization.

"By involving young people and children, we hope to mobilize parents across West Bengal to ensure vaccination for their children," said Nasir Ateeq of UNICEF West Bengal.

Other officials who were present at the launch of the campaign included Kuldip Nar of Aidmatrix Foundation and PN Roy Chowdhury of Adani Group.

Source : T.O.I , Kolkata ( 26th April 2013 )