Gulnaz Bano, Mohd. Mazhar Ali Khan, Lubna Siddiqui
A Case Study of Moradabad Division of Uttar Pradesh, India.

ABSTRACT

Polio is a continuing menace, despite best efforts; it is still prevailing in Moradabad division of Uttar Pradesh, this division accounts for maximum number of polio cases in India.The Present study aims at determining different geographical, social, cultural and Economic factor responsible for the persistence of polio in Moradabad division The community in the study area has low levels of literacy and belongs to low and middle income group, employed in cultivation, small business and as wage laborers large chunk of the community goes for open field defecation, do not wash the hands even before taking meals. They live in crowded areas, with improper drainage system and follow an unhygienic lifestyle. They depend for water on hand pumps and surface water resources like local ponds and rivers for drinking purposes. Most of them live in kaccha and semi-pakka houses. A large percentage of the children are malnourished. They resist district administration for polio vaccine on account of illiteracy, superstitions, Lack of faith in government machinery, rumors and various other local problems. The climate in this area is hot and humid during south- west monsoon period thus, favoring the growth of polio virus. During rainy season the drains overflow and contaminate the sources of drinking water causing a maximum number of polio cases.Various health workers involved in vaccine mission report irresponsible and false statements on account of lack of interest and fatigue due to repeated rounds of Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV). Read more…