India was certified polio-free by the World Health Organization in 2014. However, the continued presence of poliovirus in parts of the world highlights the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage and remaining vigilant against the risk of the disease returning.

Emphasising the need to protect children, the campaign carries the message, “Protect Every Child. End Polio,” and highlights the importance of two drops of oral polio vaccine in protecting children against the potentially disabling disease.

The campaign also encourages parents to ensure that children under five receive polio drops during vaccination campaigns and complete their routine immunisation schedules according to health department guidelines.

Polio is a highly infectious viral disease that primarily affects young children and can cause permanent paralysis. Although there is no cure for polio, vaccination offers effective protection and remains central to global efforts to eliminate the disease.

Health awareness campaigns continue to play an important role in addressing misinformation, encouraging participation in immunisation programmes and helping families understand the importance of timely vaccination.

Brighter Kashmir urged people to visit their nearest health centre for vaccination-related guidance and to follow the advice of qualified healthcare professionals.

The campaign also called for collective responsibility among parents, healthcare workers and communities to ensure that no child is left unprotected against preventable diseases.