World Immunization Day 2024: India Highlights Milestones in Immunization

New Delhi: World Immunization Day, celebrated each year on November 10, highlights the crucial role that vaccines play in preventing infectious diseases and protecting public health.

Immunization is recognized as one of the most effective and affordable ways to control and eradicate diseases, saving millions of lives worldwide annually. Vaccines provide protection against illnesses such as measles, polio, tuberculosis, and COVID-19.

By reducing the spread of these diseases, vaccines not only shield individuals but also bolster community health through the development of herd immunity. This day serves as a call to action for governments, healthcare providers, and communities globally to underscore the importance of vaccines and expand immunization efforts, particularly for underserved groups.

India has focused on immunization as a key public health strategy, achieving substantial progress in reducing disease prevalence and child mortality. World Immunization Day reaffirms this commitment, spotlighting efforts like the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) and Mission Indradhanush, emphasizing the need to continue expanding vaccine access.

The UIP, launched in 1978 and expanded in 1985, aims to provide essential vaccines to millions of newborns and pregnant women annually, reaching urban and rural areas alike. The program currently offers vaccines against 12 diseases, including major ones like polio and measles. Achievements include the elimination of polio in 2014 and maternal and neonatal tetanus in 2015, showcasing its impact on public health.

Mission Indradhanush, introduced in 2014, targets low-coverage areas to boost full immunization rates, especially in hard-to-reach communities. It has completed 12 phases, covering 554 districts and resulting in significant gains in immunization coverage.

The U-WIN Portal digitizes vaccination records for children and pregnant women, streamlining access and management. Available in 11 regional languages, it has logged over 6.46 crore beneficiaries and facilitated over 1.04 crore vaccination sessions by September 2024, showcasing its success in modernizing immunization efforts.

India’s public health journey is marked by milestones, including the elimination of polio and maternal and neonatal tetanus, as well as the record-setting COVID-19 vaccination drive. These achievements underscore India’s robust infrastructure and collaborative approach, setting benchmarks for tackling vaccine-preventable diseases.

As World Immunization Day underscores the critical role of vaccines, India’s progress exemplifies how comprehensive initiatives and community efforts can ensure better health outcomes and a secure public health future.