Paper: GS – II, Subject: Society and Social Justice, Topic: Social Sector- Health, Issue: Significance of Universal Immunisation Programme.
Context:
Vaccination is one of the most cost-effective public health interventions.India’s Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP), the world’s largest, annually vaccination programme is a significant innovation in public health.
Key Highlights:
Achievements of India’s Vaccination Programme:
1. Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP):
- Provides free immunisation against 12 diseases (11 vaccines nationwide, 1 in endemic areas).
- Recent inclusions: Rotavirus, Pneumococcal Conjugate, and Japanese Encephalitis vaccines.
- Immunisation coverage improved from 62% in 2014 to higher levels through intensified campaigns.
2. Mission Indradhanush (MI) & Intensified MI (IMI):
- Launched in 2014, aimed to reach 90% coverage.
- By 2023, 12 phases completed: Vaccinated 5.46 crore children and 1.32 crore pregnant women.
- Integrated with Gram Swaraj Abhiyan & Extended Gram Swaraj Abhiyan.
3. Polio-Free India:
- India became Polio-free since 2014, strengthening surveillance & UIP systems.
4. Tetanus and Measles:
- Maternal & neonatal tetanus eliminated in 2015.
- India declared Measles-Rubella free in 2023, awarded by WHO.
5. COVID-19 Vaccination:
- By 2023:
- 220 crore doses administered.
- 97% citizens received one dose, 90% received both.
- It reflects India’s domestic vaccine production capacity & Vaccine Maitri diplomacy.
Challenges:
- Reaching remote & migratory populations.
- Addressing clusters of low awareness and vaccine hesitancy.
- Gaps created during COVID-19 disruptions (2020-24).
- Need for better tracking of unvaccinated populations.
Tech Integration:
- U-WIN platform: Digital registration & record-keeping of pregnant women, children up to 16 years.
- E-VIN (Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network): Real-time stock & supply management.
- CO-WIN platform: Success replicated for universal immunisation.
- SAFEAIM model: For vaccine cold chain management & surveillance.
Global Recognition:
- Awarded Measles & Rubella Champion Award (2024).
- Recognised as a role model in South-East Asia Region.
- India is now the world’s largest vaccine manufacturing hub.
Lessons learned:
- Strengthen Surveillance: Link disease surveillance with immunisation data.
- Address Vaccine Hesitancy: Counter anti-vaccine narratives via awareness campaigns.
- One Health Approach: Integrate human, animal, and environmental health.
- Expand Digital Platforms: Scale U-WIN, E-VIN, and AI-driven monitoring.
- Global Leadership: Sustain India’s role as a vaccine supplier to low- and middle-income countries.
Conclusion:
India’s vaccination journey is a success story in public health, saving millions of lives. With tech integration, global partnerships, and inclusive outreach, India can serve as a model for epidemic preparedness and universal healthcare access.
https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/lessons-from-indias-vaccination-drive/article70084475.ece
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