India's Universal Immunisation Programme: A Global Model of Success and the Road Ahead
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Social Development (Health, Nutrition); Social Sector Initiatives & Schemes (Universal Immunisation Programme - UIP, Mission Indradhanush, PM-ABHIM, U-WIN); Science & Technology (Vaccines, Digital Health platforms).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 2 (Health, Governance, Social Justice): Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health; Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections; Government policies and interventions.
General Studies Paper 3 (S&T): Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.
Key Highlights from the News
India's Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP), the world's largest immunization program, is a successful global model saving millions of lives.
To achieve 90% immunization coverage, the government launched Mission Indradhanush (MI) in 2014, which was later expanded to Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI).
Key Achievements:
Maintained Polio-free status since 2011.
Eliminated maternal and neonatal tetanus in 2015.
The COVID-19 vaccination program gained global attention.
Through the Vaccine Maitri initiative, India provided vaccines to other countries, becoming the "pharmacy of the world."
Use of Technology: Digital platforms like U-WIN, CO-WIN, and eVIN were effectively used for vaccine distribution, stock management, registration, and certification.
Remaining Challenges: Reaching remote areas and migrant workers, and countering anti-vaccine narratives remain key challenges.
The article states that a ONE-HEALTH approach, which views human, animal, and environmental health together, is necessary to effectively combat future pandemics.
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