Tirupati gears up for Pulse Polio drive starting June 28; 1,937 centres set up

The Pulse Polio programme in Tirupati district is set to commence on Sunday, June 28, 2026, with health officials urging parents to ensure all children under five receive the polio drops. An awareness rally was held on Saturday morning to promote the campaign.

District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO) V. Balakrishna Naik and National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) State Wing Deputy Director A.T. Ramanatha Rao flagged off the rally, which proceeded from the DMHO office to S.V. Medical College. Participants carried placards with messages such as 'Two polio drops for a full life' and 'Administer polio drops, eradicate polio'. A human chain was formed at the college, and a pledge was taken to work towards a polio-free society.

Speaking at the event, District Pulse Polio Observer Ramanatha Rao stated that polio drops must be administered to all children under the age of five during the programme. He said the drops would be available at 1,937 centres across the district on Sunday, followed by door-to-door visits on Monday, June 29, and Tuesday, June 30.

DMHO Balakrishna Naik emphasised that in addition to routine vaccinations, two extra polio drops must be given to every child aged five years and under, including newborns. He urged parents to take their children to the nearest centre, regardless of whether they are travelling or in hospital. 'Everyone must actively strive towards building a polio-free society,' he said.

The drive is part of the national effort to maintain India's polio-free status, with the World Health Organization having declared the country polio-free in 2014. Regular pulse polio campaigns are conducted to sustain this achievement and protect children from the disease.