Objective I

To initiate, augment and intensify action against those causes of massively prevalent disablement against which there exists a potential for prevention and control, which can be delivered through on-going health and development programmes

• Pulse Polio Immunization Drive

• Polio Free Bhavnagar Project ( 1995 )

• The Guinea Worm Project ( 1990 )

• Bombay Fights Disability ( 1986 )

• Polio-Free Madras (1984 - 86 )

Objective II

To treat those people who are disabled by curable blindness, deafness and physical handicaps, by restoring sight, hearing and mobility, as well as to take any possible action to prevent and mitigate mental impairment. 

• Nirvana ( 1990 )

The Pulse Polio Immunization Drive is the national endeavor to eradicate Polio. IMPACT India was part of the Media Planning Committee and has supported the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation in every way possible, IMPACT organised meetings with the Corporate Houses resulting in valuable financial contributions for Information, Education and Communication (I.E.C.) which are essential to create awareness about the programme in Mumbai.

In coordination with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, IMPACT India set up a website ( www.pulsepolio.com ) on Pulse Polio Immunization. The purpose of the website was to motivate parents to give their children the extra Polio dose. The website throws light on the dreaded disease and all the efforts taken for its control, the National Immunization schedule as well as details about Polio eradication. The website answers pertinent questions like why Pulse Polio Immunization is important, how Polio spreads in society, and how the vaccine protects the child. The site concludes with an appeal to everyone to participate in this national endeavor to eradicate Polio. 

Impact India has extended its technical support to the Society for Relief of the Disabled and the Bhavnagar Municipal Corporation to make Bhavnagar into a Polio-free district

This project is aimed at systematically immunizing all newborn infants against the six childhood diseases, through the computerized information system linked to the birth register.

A record 80,074 children have been entered in the computer list to ensure that all the eligible children are immunized.

The health workers also conduct Information Education and Communication activities to increase awareness among the public. They have conducted 170 immunization awareness camps and incentives have been given to 5,290 children who have taken all three doses of vaccines.

In addition to all these efforts, mass rallies were also organised at 23 places in the district.

The effectiveness of the Computerized Immunization System ( PDF Format / Word Format )* has encouraged the health authorities who have requested an extension of this programme in rural areas. 

" Guinea Worm " is a diseases caused by the ingestion of contaminated water. It is widely prevalent in India due to lack of clean drinking water supply, ignorance and illiteracy. 

A sudden spurt in cases was reported in the city of Bhivandi, Mumbai due to the migration from Rajasthan, where Guinea Worm is most prevalent.

The Municipality of Bhivandi approached Impact India to arrest further spread of the disease, and funded the entire project.

After an intensive Impact programme over two years, consisting of water treatment, education and surveillance, there have been no recurrence of Guinea Worm in Bhivandi since January 1991. However, the Municipal Corporation has continued funding Impact to continue surveillance for the next two years.

An annual Health Project in the foothills of the Himalayas. A group of American surgeons donate their time and lend their skills.

( An Elephant parading the immunization message )

Impact India designed and co-ordinated the Polio Immunization Programme. 300,000 Children, below the age of three, were protected.

" It yielded valuable experience in reaching out to the poorest groups...It also succeeded in controlling one major disease in one major city "

UNICEF (from State of the World's Children)

Coverage in Madras was 94%. The national average was 27%.

Statement by Dr. Jacob John, Chairman of the Polio Foundation of India

" The 1985 Impact Programme had identified the major weaknesses of immunization in the city of Madras, i.e. no particular organisation or leader to take responsibility for the City's health. Therefore, the people used whatever private facilities were available and those who did not seek these services, remained unprotected."

" When Impact identified this problem, it brought together all the concerned people, and established the leadership role in the Corporation's Health officer in Madras. Subsequently, the Health officer has done an excellent job in Madras and streamlined all facilities, making available Vaccine and Cold Chain in all the wards in the City and arranged regular supply. The coverage in Madras is believed to be higher than 90%. THAT IS THE CONTRIBUTION OF IMPACT "

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