Why in News: India launched the Zero Measles-Rubella Elimination Campaign (2025) after receiving the Measles & Rubella Champion Award (2024).
Achievements
- Largest immunisation programme: UIP covers 2.6 crore infants and 2.9 crore pregnant women annually.
- Mortality reduction: Under-5 mortality declined from 45 to 31 per 1,000 live births (2014–21).
- Expanded coverage: Six new vaccines added in the last decade.
- Mission Indradhanush (MI): Raised full coverage from 62% to over 75% (2020s), strengthened by Intensified MI.
- Community outreach: Gram Swaraj Abhiyan integrated into campaigns; 12 MI/IMI phases vaccinated 5.46 crore children and 1.32 crore pregnant women.
- Global recognition: India received Measles & Rubella Champion Award (2024).
Key Lessons
1. Policy Innovation: Micro-planning and targeted interventions bridge gaps.
2. Tech Integration: U-WIN, eVIN, SAFE-VAC ensure digital tracking and transparency.
3. Resilience in Crisis: IMI 5.0 and Zero Measles-Rubella Campaign overcame COVID-19 setbacks.
4. Domestic Manufacturing: COVID-19 vaccination showcased “Make in India” capacity and Vaccine Maitri diplomacy.
5. Public-Private Partnerships: Strengthened R&D and supply chains.
6. Surveillance Linkages: Polio lessons improved monitoring of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Way Forward
- Reach the unreached: Mobile vaccination teams for migratory and remote populations.
- Community engagement: Strengthen IEC campaigns, leverage local influencers to tackle vaccine hesitancy.
- Digital strengthening: Ensure interoperability of U-WIN with state health systems.
- Equity focus: Prioritise vulnerable groups (urban slums, tribal belts).
- Cold chain expansion: Invest in last-mile solar-based and AI-enabled cold storage.
- Private sector integration: Engage private clinics/pharmacies in routine immunisation.
- Global leadership: Position India as a hub for affordable vaccines under Gavi/WHO platforms.
- One Health lens: Link immunisation with zoonotic and environmental surveillance.
UPSC Relevance
GS Paper III (Science & Tech, Health): Vaccine innovation, cold chain management, pandemic preparedness, Make in India in pharma.
Mains Practice Question
Q. “India’s vaccination drive has emerged as a global model in public health management. Discuss the key lessons from its implementation and suggest measures to strengthen last-mile delivery and pandemic preparedness.” (250 words)