India Achieves Historic Milestone In Child Immunisation; Sets Global Benchmark

India has made a historic leap in child immunisation by reducing the percentage of zero-dose children, those who have not received even a single vaccine dose, from 0.11% in 2023 to 0.06% in 2024.

This achievement highlights the country’s robust Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP), aimed at ensuring no child is left behind.

The United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) 2024 report has recognised this milestone, praising India’s efforts.

Additionally, the Measles and Rubella Partnership, which includes WHO, UNICEF, GAVI, and the American Red Cross, has honoured India with the prestigious Measles and Rubella Champion Award.

India’s record decline in child and maternal mortality

India has also registered dramatic improvements in child and maternal health indicators. According to the UN IGME 2024 report:

• The Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR) declined by 78% from 1990 to 2023, far exceeding the global average of 61%.
• The Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) dropped by 70% during the same period, compared to the global 54% decline.

In maternal health, India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) dropped from 130 per 1 lakh live births in 2014–16 to 88 in 2020–22, as per Sample Registration System (SRS) data.

The UN-Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (UN-MMEIG) pegs India’s current MMR at 80, representing an 86% drop since 1990, well above the global decline of 48%.

Universal immunisation programme covers millions each year

India’s UIP, one of the largest in the world, vaccinates approximately 2.9 crore pregnant women and 2.6 crore infants under one year annually.

This massive health initiative is powered by 1.3 crore immunisation sessions held nationwide, led by frontline health workers, including ASHAs and ANMs.

Since 2014, the government has expanded the UIP’s vaccine basket from six to twelve, adding Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (IPV), Rotavirus Vaccine (RVV), Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV), Measles-Rubella Vaccine, Adult Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine, and Tetanus-Diphtheria Vaccine.

Mission Indradhanush reaches the last mile

Launched in 2014 and accelerated in 2017, Mission Indradhanush has immunised 5.46 crore children and 1.32 crore pregnant women, targeting previously unreached and vulnerable populations.

The government rolled out the Zero Dose Implementation Plan 2024 in 143 districts across 11 states identified as high-burden zones for unvaccinated children.

The government has deployed special campaigns to reach urban slums, migrant groups, and vaccine-hesitant communities.

Tech-enabled monitoring and public awareness drive

India’s U-WIN platform enables real-time electronic tracking of immunisation status, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the country.

Simultaneously, awareness campaigns via community radio, social media, mass media, street plays, and door-to-door outreach by ASHAs and ANMs have helped overcome vaccine hesitancy.

Regular Village Health and Nutrition Days (VHNDs) further bring healthcare to the most remote and isolated populations.

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