India's Immunisation Programme
Overview
Vaccination is recognized as a highly effective and cost-efficient public health measure, saving millions of lives. India's Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) stands as the largest worldwide, targeting 2.6 crore infants and 2.9 crore pregnant women annually.
Achievements and Coverage
- The programme contributed to reducing under-5 mortality from 45 to 31 per 1,000 live births between 2014 and 2021.
- Offers free immunisation against 12 diseases, with 11 vaccines nationwide and one in endemic areas.
- Expanded to include six additional vaccines for various age groups in the last decade.
Mission Indradhanush (MI) and Intensified MI (IMI)
- Launched in 2014 to expand immunisation coverage to 90% by targeting low-coverage and missed populations.
- By 2023, 12 phases completed, vaccinating 5.46 crore children and 1.32 crore pregnant women.
- Integrated with Gram Swaraj Abhiyan campaigns to increase coverage.
Challenges and Strategies
- Challenges include reaching remote, migratory populations, and overcoming vaccine hesitancy.
- Innovative solutions like ‘zero-dose’ outreach, digital tracking, and infrastructure improvements are being deployed.
Key Achievements
- Maintained polio-free status since 2011 and achieved maternal and neonatal tetanus elimination in 2015.
- Declared Yaws-free in 2016 and immunized 34.8 crore children against Measles-Rubella between 2017 and 2019.
Impact of COVID-19
The pandemic disrupted routine immunisation services, leading to measles outbreaks between 2022 and 2024. In response, IMI 5.0 targeted under-five children in 2023, and the Zero Measles-Rubella Elimination campaign launched in 2025.
Infrastructure and Digital Tools
- Strengthened cold chain logistics and introduced Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission.
- Launched U-WIN platform for digital vaccination tracking, building on CO-WIN's success.
Global Contributions and Recognition
- India emerged as a leader in COVID-19 vaccine development and distribution, administering over 220 crore doses by January 2023.
- Through Vaccine Maitri initiative, supported many countries, showcasing global solidarity.
- In 2024, received the Measles and Rubella Champion Award for efforts in the South-East Asia Region.
Future Prospects
India is poised to transform the global vaccine landscape with its manufacturing capacity and 'Make in India' strategy. There is a continuous focus on linking disease surveillance with immunisation and monitoring anti-vaccine narratives.
For effective pandemic preparedness, a ONE-HEALTH approach is advocated, integrating surveillance across human, animal, and environmental systems.
