Vaccination remains one of the most effective and affordable public health interventions. India’s unwavering commitment is reflected in its Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), which annually provides free vaccines to 2.9 crore pregnant women and 2.6 crore infants. Over 1.3 crore immunization sessions are conducted by frontline workers, including ASHAs and ANMs.
Significant Reduction in Zero-Dose Children
Due to sustained campaigns and nationwide outreach, the percentage of zero-dose children has declined from 0.11% in 2023 to 0.06% in 2024. India continues to intensify its efforts in 2025 to reach every last child.
International Recognition and Impact
India’s achievements have earned global praise. The UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) highlighted India as a role model. Additionally, India received the Measles and Rubella Champion Award from The Measles and Rubella Partnership at the American Red Cross Headquarters in March 2024.
Immunization Reduces Mortality and Morbidity
As reported by pib.gov.in, the increasing coverage of life-saving vaccines has significantly reduced child deaths from diarrhea, pneumonia, meningitis, and encephalitis. As per the SRS 2020–22, India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) dropped from 130 to 88 per lakh live births, while the UN-MMEIG report places India’s MMR at 80, reflecting an 86% reduction since 1990.
Expanded Vaccine Portfolio under UIP
Until 2013, UIP included only six vaccines. Since 2014, India has added six more, including vaccines for polio (IPV), rotavirus, pneumococcus (PCV), measles-rubella, adult JE, and tetanus-diphtheria. The program now covers 12 vaccine-preventable diseases.
Focused Interventions to Reach the Unreached
India has launched targeted campaigns for zero-dose children in urban slums, migratory populations, hard-to-reach areas, and communities affected by vaccine hesitancy. Key initiatives include:
- Zero Dose Implementation Plan 2024 (143 districts across 11 states)
- Mission Indradhanush, which has vaccinated 5.46 crore children
- Pulse Polio Campaigns, maintaining polio-free status since 2014
- Village Health and Nutrition Days and multi-level task forces
- U-WIN platform for digital tracking of immunization
Global Comparisons Reinforce India’s Progress
Despite its vast population, India’s DTP-1 coverage stands at 93%, significantly higher than countries like Nigeria (70%). The dropout rate from DTP-1 to DTP-3 decreased from 7% in 2013 to 2% in 2023, with measles coverage rising from 83% to 93% in the same period.
India’s immunization program continues to be a model of scale, inclusivity, and commitment—ensuring no child is left behind.