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BACKGROUND
India remains as one of the most important polio
endemic countries on the global polio eradication map. There
were 676 cases of polio in India in 2006, out of which 546 were
in Utter Pradesh (UP). After a steady decline in the number of
Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) cases, 2006 suddenly saw an
endemic growth in number of cases.
The Polio
Eradication Initiative (PEI) efforts worldwide began with the
commitment from the US Congress in early nineties. The WHO,
UNICEF, Rotary International and CORE group partners are major
players in this effort. In the early years PCI worked in both
Bihar and UP, but later focused on three high endemic districts
of UP. Currently, PCI works in 17 blocks of three districts with
a work force of 340 at various levels. PCI works with local NGO
partners as it strongly believes in capacity building at local
level.
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2006 |
2007 |
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OBJECTIVES
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To develop
coordinated Private Voluntary Organization support to the
India polio programs
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To support all
four polio strategies: Supplementary immunization
activities, routine immunization, AFP surveillance and
assistance to polio affected children.
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Effective
implementation of the PEI program in light of the local
needs and challenges
STRATEGIES
One of PCI/India’s strengths as a PEI partner has
been its ability to work with and empower local NGOs/CBOs and
communities. Through strong networks of partner NGO’s social
mobilizers at various levels, PCI/India reaches out to the most
resistant, vulnerable and minority communities that pose
persistent challenges to the polio vaccination drives. The major
strategies include social mobilization with locally appropriate
approaches such as interpersonal communication, coordination
with local authorities, awareness and sensitization campaigns
and most importantly, complimenting the National Immunization
Day/Sub-national Immunization Day (NID/SNID) as per its mandate
and principles of partnership.
MAJOR ACTIVITIES
The major activities under PEI include:
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Social
mobilization campaigns before, during, and after the NID/SNID
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Identification
of resistant and remaining houses and persistent
interpersonal communication to vaccinate children
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Coordination
and active participation in the task force planning and
implementation meetings at various levels, such as District
Task Force meetings, Tahsil Task Force meetings, etc.
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Repetitive
capacity building and refresher trainings for partners
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Strong
monitoring and evaluation systems in place to make the
program more efficient
· Supplementing
the PEI with add-on activities on sanitation, access to safe
water, child survival, routine immunization, etc.
MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS
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