World Immunisation Day, observed annually on 10th November, is a significant event that highlights the indispensable role vaccines play in combating infectious diseases and ensuring public health. Immunisation is a preventive healthcare measure, involving the administration of vaccines to bolster the immune system and build resistance against harmful pathogens. This strategy not only protects individuals but also safeguards entire communities by reducing the spread of life-threatening diseases.
The Significance of Immunisation in India
In India, the immunisation program is particularly vital due to the country’s vast and diverse population, where millions of children and adults are at risk of contracting vaccine-preventable diseases. The Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), introduced in 1978 as the Expanded Programme of Immunization (EPI), has since evolved into one of the largest immunisation programs globally. The UIP gained momentum in 1985 and was expanded to cover all districts in the country by 1989-1990. By 1992, the UIP became part of the Child Survival and Safe Motherhood Programme, reflecting its critical role in protecting both children and mothers from fatal diseases.
- The UIP has since become an integral component of India’s National Reproductive & Child Health Programme, ensuring the delivery of life-saving vaccines.
- In 2005, the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) further boosted immunisation efforts across rural areas, making vaccines more accessible to remote populations.
India’s immunisation efforts under UIP currently provide vaccines free of cost against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases, including Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, Rubella, Childhood Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, Pneumococcal pneumonia, and Rotavirus diarrhoea. Additionally, the UIP has contributed to significant reductions in under-5 mortality rates, which dropped from 45 per 1,000 live births in 2014 to 32 per 1,000 live births today.
Mission Indradhanush: Reaching the Unvaccinated
To further enhance immunisation coverage, India launched Mission Indradhanush under the UIP. This special catch-up campaign targets areas with low immunisation coverage to ensure that children and pregnant women who missed out on routine vaccinations receive the necessary doses. The initiative focuses on the goal of achieving full immunisation coverage, targeting those who are either unvaccinated or partially vaccinated.
- Mission Indradhanush provides vaccines against 12 life-threatening diseases, including Measles, Rubella, Japanese Encephalitis (JE), and Rotavirus diarrhoea.
- The campaign aims to vaccinate 26 million children annually, protecting them from these diseases and reducing the risk of outbreaks.
Mission Indradhanush has proven to be a highly effective tool in closing immunisation gaps across the country. It is an example of India’s commitment to ensuring that no child is left unprotected from preventable diseases, especially in underserved regions.
Digital Advancements: U-WIN Portal
In an effort to modernise and streamline immunisation processes, the U-WIN Portal was launched. This digital platform simplifies vaccine delivery and management by maintaining a digital record of immunisation histories.
- The portal enables ‘Anytime Access’ and ‘Anywhere’ vaccination, giving flexibility to recipients in scheduling their immunisation appointments.
- It also provides QR-based eVaccination Certificates, ensuring easy verification of immunisation status, and helps users create an Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) ID, linking health services seamlessly.
By harnessing digital tools, India is improving accessibility and transparency in its immunisation programs, ensuring that vaccines reach those who need them most, without logistical hurdles.
India’s Public Health Milestones
India’s robust immunisation programs have led to significant public health achievements over the years. Some of the most remarkable milestones include the eradication and elimination of various infectious diseases that once posed a significant threat to public health.
- Polio Eradication: India was certified polio-free in March 2014, a major achievement in the global effort to eliminate the disease.
- Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus Elimination (MNTE): In April 2015, India achieved the elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus, well ahead of the global target.
- Yaws Elimination: India became the first country to be officially recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as yaws-free. Yaws is a chronic bacterial infection affecting the skin, bones, and cartilage.
- Smallpox Eradication: Smallpox, once a deadly disease, was eradicated in India in 1977.
- Leprosy Elimination: The country achieved leprosy elimination in 2005, significantly reducing its incidence to a public health level.
- Kala-azar Elimination: India is on the verge of eliminating kala-azar, a neglected tropical disease, as a public health problem. India has already met the WHO’s certification criteria for two consecutive years and is on track to meet the third-year requirement.
These milestones underscore the success of India’s immunisation programs and reflect the country’s sustained commitment to improving public health.
The Role of COVID-19 Vaccination in India
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of vaccines in controlling infectious diseases on a global scale. In India, the vaccination drive launched on 16th January 2021 was one of the largest in the world. By 6th January 2023, India had administered over 220 crore doses, covering 97% of eligible citizens with at least one dose and 90% with both doses. This massive effort helped to curb the spread of COVID-19 and saved countless lives.
The rapid deployment of vaccines during the pandemic demonstrated India’s capacity to handle large-scale immunisation campaigns efficiently. The use of digital tools like the CoWIN platform further enhanced the ability to track and manage vaccine distribution across the country.
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite India’s significant progress in immunisation, challenges remain. Vaccine hesitancy, logistical issues in remote areas, and gaps in healthcare infrastructure continue to hinder the goal of achieving universal coverage. Addressing these challenges will require a multifaceted approach, including:
- Strengthening healthcare infrastructure in rural and underserved areas to ensure vaccines are accessible to all.
- Raising awareness and combating vaccine hesitancy through targeted information campaigns, highlighting the safety and efficacy of vaccines.
- Leveraging digital platforms like U-WIN and CoWIN to track and manage vaccination efforts more effectively.
- Increasing investment in research and development to ensure that new and improved vaccines are available to protect against emerging diseases.
India’s immunisation programs are a testament to the power of coordinated public health efforts. By continuing to expand coverage and address existing challenges, India can move closer to the goal of universal immunisation, ensuring that all citizens are protected from preventable diseases. Immunisation remains a cornerstone of public health and is essential for building a healthier, more resilient nation.