Evaluation of Pulse-polio immunisation in rural area of Maharashtra

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Abstract
An evaluation survey on Pulse-polio Immunisation (PPI) in January 2000 was carried out in rural areas of Maharashtra to assess the immunisation coverage, the knowledge regarding pulse-polio and the routine immunisation schedule. House-to-house survey was carried out and information was collected by interviewing the parents of 778 children. It was observed that PPI coverage was excellent i.e., 98%. Majority of informants were female. Knowledge about pulse-polio had a direct relationship with literacy. But knowledge regarding routine immunisation and the polio disease was not found satisfactory. Excellent coverage of pulse-polio Immunisation was found because of an organised and extensive campaign, use of mass media like T.V., radio, and home visits of peripheral health staff (as told by the informants). The distance of approach to a polio booth was less than a kilometre in almost all cases. Behaviour of health staff was satisfactory everywhere. The time-period required for getting vaccinated after arrival at the polio booth was less than 5 minutes. Thus it was a worthwhile attempt to evaluate PPI coverage is rural areas of Maharasthra. Excellent coverage of pulse-polio immunisation gives us the picture that poliomyelitis is on the verge of being eradicated from India, if the excellent coverage of PPI is followed by effective surveillence.

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