India’s Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP), launched in 1985, is the world’s largest immunisation programme, targeting 2.7 crore newborns and 2.9 crore pregnant women annually. It has been a cornerstone in reducing child mortality, improving maternal health, and fulfilling India’s commitment to SDG-3 (Good Health and Well-Being).
Significance of UIP:
Reducing Mortality and Morbidity:
- Under-5 mortality declined from 45 in 2014 to 31 in 2021 per 1,000 live births (SRS 2021).
- As per WHO & UNICEF (2020), Vaccines averted 3.7 crore deaths in 20 years in LMICs, with India being the largest contributor.
- Polio eliminated in 2014 and maternal & neonatal tetanus eliminated in 2015.
Comprehensive Disease Coverage:
- Currently covers 12 vaccine-preventable diseases such as Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, Hepatitis-B, Rubella, Rotavirus, Hib Pneumonia, Pneumococcal Pneumonia, Japanese Encephalitis (in endemic regions), etc.
- Prevented outbreaks of diseases like Measles-Rubella, with a catch-up campaign immunising 34.8 crore children.
Strengthening Health Infrastructure:
- eVIN (Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network) enables real-time tracking of vaccine stocks across 28,000 cold chain points.
- U-WIN platform enables digital registration, tracking vaccination of pregnant women & children up to 16 years.
- CO-WIN platformpioneered global tech-led vaccination management during COVID-19.
Socio-Economic Benefits:
- Boost to economic growth asfor every ₹1 invested in immunisation, there is a ₹52 return (GAVI, 2021).
- Healthy children boosts better education outcomes and productive workforce.
- Reduces out-of-pocket expenditure on preventable diseases.
Global Recognition:
- India awarded Measles & Rubella Champion Award (2024).
- COVID-19 vaccination: 220 crore doses delivered; 97% adults with 1 dose, 90% with 2 doses.
- Vaccine Maitri Initiative: Supplied 290 million doses to 100+ countries, strengthening India’s image as the “Pharmacy of the World”.
Challenges:
- Coverage gaps in remote & migratory populations.
- Vaccine hesitancy fuelled by misinformation.
- COVID-19 disruptions created setbacks in routine immunisation.
- Need to integrate disease surveillance with immunisation data.
Way Forward:
- Last-Mile Connectivity: Strengthen ASHA & Anganwadi network for outreach in remote areas.
- Counter Vaccine Hesitancy: Behavioural communication campaigns & community influencers.
- Integration with One Health: Link human, animal & environmental health surveillance.
- Expand Digital Platforms: Scale up U-WIN & eVIN, integrate AI-driven monitoring.
- Global Leadership: Continue India’s role as vaccine supplier to LMICs.
Conclusion:
UIP is more than a vaccination drive—it is a pillar of India’s public health system, saving millions of lives and boosting health security. By combining tech-driven governance, global partnerships, and inclusive outreach, India can transform UIP into a model for universal healthcare and epidemic preparedness worldwide.
‘+1’ Value Addition:
- Vaccines prevented 5 million deaths annually worldwide (WHO, 2023).
- UIP covers 65% of all children immunised in South-East Asia Region (UNICEF).
- As per the Lancet Study (2021), Every ₹1 spent on immunisation saves ₹16 in healthcare costs and ₹52 in overall economic benefit.
- India delivered 220 crore doses in 2 years → world’s largest vaccination campaign.
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