India’s Universal Immunisation Programme
India’s Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) continues to be a mainstay of public health. It vaccinates millions annually and has reduced child mortality. Recent campaigns and technological upgrades aim to increase coverage and tackle challenges like vaccine hesitancy and remote access.
Overview of India’s Universal Immunisation Programme
The UIP is the world’s largest vaccination programme. It provides free vaccines against 12 diseases. Annually, it vaccinates 2.6 crore infants and 2.9 crore pregnant women. Since 2014, six new vaccines have been added, including Pneumococcal Conjugate and Measles-Rubella vaccines. This expansion has helped lower under-5 mortality from 45 to 31 per 1,000 live births by 2021.
Mission Indradhanush and Coverage Expansion
In 2014, India launched Mission Indradhanush (MI) to raise full immunisation coverage from 62% towards 90%. The Intensified MI (IMI) began in 2017 to focus on low-coverage areas and missed groups. By 2023, 12 phases of MI and IMI vaccinated over 5 crore children and 1 crore pregnant women. These efforts were integrated with local campaigns like Gram Swaraj Abhiyan to enhance reach.
Challenges in Immunisation
Despite progress, challenges remain. Remote and migratory populations often miss vaccines. Some communities show vaccine hesitancy due to low awareness. Clusters with poor access and infrastructure gaps persist. Innovative solutions include ‘zero-dose’ outreach, digital tracking, and cold chain improvements to bridge these gaps.
Vaccine-Preventable Disease Control
India has maintained polio-free status since 2011. It eliminated maternal and neonatal tetanus in 2015 and was declared Yaws-free in 2016. The nationwide Measles-Rubella catch-up campaign vaccinated nearly 35 crore children between 2017 and 2019. However, COVID-19 disrupted routine immunisation, causing measles outbreaks from 2022 to 2024. The Zero Measles-Rubella Elimination campaign launched in 2025 aims for over 95% coverage.
Technological Integration in Vaccination
India has strengthened cold chain logistics and digital systems. The U-WIN platform enables digital vaccination records and tracking for children and pregnant women. Other tools like the electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network monitor vaccine stocks, while the National Cold Chain Management Information System tracks storage conditions in real-time. These technologies improve vaccine delivery and safety monitoring.
India’s Role in Global Vaccine Manufacturing
India is the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer. The COVID-19 vaccination drive began in January 2021, administering over 220 crore doses by 2023. India met domestic demand and supported global needs through the Vaccine Maitri initiative. The ‘Make in India’ policy has positioned the country as a key player in the global vaccine industry.
Future Directions and One Health Approach
India aims to integrate disease surveillance with immunisation efforts using a One Health approach. This involves joint monitoring of human, animal, and environmental health to better prepare for pandemics and epidemics. Strengthening this integration is vital to sustain immunisation gains and counter anti-vaccine misinformation.
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