Bengaluru, 28 June

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday appealed to parents to ensure that every child below the age of five receives the pulse polio vaccine.

He said the state government was committed to safeguarding children from disability and sustaining India's polio-free status.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru after launching the pulse polio vaccination drive from his residence, Shivakumar described it as a "historic programme".

"Today, our government is administering this vaccine to every child below the age of five so that no child suffers from any disability in the future. We have organised this programme with that objective," he said.

"The government has launched several initiatives to build a healthy Karnataka and a healthy India. Our state has taken the lead at every stage," Shivakumar said.

He also congratulated NGOs, Health Department officials, Medical Education Department officials and others for extending their cooperation to the campaign.

Shivakumar said India had achieved polio-free status but stressed that continued vigilance was necessary.

"This country has become a polio-free India. However, keeping in mind that the disease could enter from neighbouring countries, we are remaining vigilant and continuing this campaign," he said.

The chief minister also praised state Health Minister UT Khader for spearheading the programme from his residence.

Appealing for wider public participation, Shivakumar urged parents, elders and voluntary organisations to ensure that children in villages and remote areas also received the vaccine.