Babille Story [India's National Polio Eradication Programme]

As a student at the American International School in New Delhi, Irene Babille participated in the November 2007 National Polio Eradication Programme immunisation rounds as part of a community outreach programme coordinated by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). During her two-day field visit, she was involved in community mobilisation efforts as well as polio immunisation booth activities.

The first day of Irene’s experience began with a visit to a local school in Ghaziabad, where she was able to discuss with both teachers from the school and leaders from the religious community what their roles within the polio eradication campaign were. She then joined a group of school children as they began to rally in the streets in support of the campaign, chanting notifications for the polio booth immunisation to be held the next day. Local journalists attended the rally, and the following day media reports covering the event were issued in local papers. After the rally, Irene was taken to a meeting for women to address doubts and inquiries regarding the polio vaccine. These community meetings are one of the key strategies employed by the polio eradication initiative (PEI) in India to control the spread of misinformation. Irene then shadowed a community mobilisation coordinator (CMC) in her house-to-house immunisation and campaign awareness visits.

Booth Day coincided with Irene’s second day in the field, and she was able to visit several immunisation booths to check their efficiency and to observe the turnout of villagers. She vaccinated several children by administering oral polio vaccine (OPV) drops, and took part in various interviews.

Irene's notes provide a personal perspective of her observations and impressions as both a participant in campaign activities and a supporter of the National Polio Eradication Programme in India.