Union Health Minister JP Nadda Emphasizes 100% Immunization Coverage
New Delhi: Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, virtually launched the National Zero Measles-Rubella Elimination Campaign 2025-26 on the opening day of World Immunization Week (24-30 April). This initiative marks a major milestone in India’s mission to eliminate Measles and Rubella by 2026.
Multi-Language Awareness Materials Released
During the event, the Union Health Minister released a series of multi-language IEC materials—including posters, radio jingles, and official films—for public awareness. These materials have been shared with all States and Union Territories for adaptation and rollout during the campaign.
Focus on Complete Immunization and Vigilant Surveillance
Highlighting the highly contagious nature of Measles and Rubella, Shri Nadda stressed the goal of achieving 100% immunization coverage through two doses of the MR vaccine. “Not a single child should be left behind,” he asserted, underlining the need to strengthen surveillance systems like the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and urging a proactive ‘ACT NOW’ approach.
He also called for greater community involvement, encouraging State Ministers, MLAs, MPs, Panchayat leaders, and frontline workers to actively promote the vaccination drive, especially in remote and hard-to-reach areas.
Progress and Recognition
India’s efforts have already shown impressive results, with 332 districts reporting zero measles cases and 487 districts recording zero rubella cases between January and March 2025. In recognition of its commitment, India received the Measles and Rubella Champion Award 2024 from the Measles and Rubella Partnership.
Comprehensive Strategy for Elimination
India’s MR elimination plan focuses on:
- Immunization: Achieving >95% vaccine coverage across all districts.
- Surveillance: Maintaining sensitive, timely case-based monitoring.
- Outbreak Response: Rapid action to control any outbreaks.
- Linkages: Strengthening support systems to meet strategic goals.
- Awareness Campaigns: Addressing vaccine hesitancy and boosting demand for vaccination.
UIP’s Role in Strengthening Immunization
India’s Universal Immunization Programme (UIP)—the world’s largest vaccination initiative—reaches 2.9 crore pregnant women and 2.6 crore newborns annually, offering protection against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases. Notably, since 2014, six new vaccines, including MR, have been introduced, helping significantly reduce child mortality rates.
The U-WIN digital platform, launched by the Prime Minister, is being widely used to record vaccination data, issue certificates, and schedule appointments, further strengthening India’s immunization efforts.
Senior health officials, including Health Secretary Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava, and leaders from ICMR and NHM, joined the virtual event alongside State and UT representatives.
