EDITORIALS FROM 24^th Sep 2025

EDITORIAL 01

Lessons from India’s vaccination drive

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/lessons-from-indias-vaccination-drive/article70084475.ece

Issue: Vaccination is among the most effective and cost-efficient public health interventions, saving millions of lives globally.

India’s Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP), the world’s largest immunisation initiative, annually vaccinates 2.6 crore infants and 2.9 crore pregnant women.

Between 2014 and 2021, it contributed to a decline in under-5 mortality from 45 to 31 per 1,000 live births (SRS 2021), showcasing its critical role in improving child health indicators.

What are the Significance and Expansion of UIP?

Provides free immunisation against 12 diseases, including 11 vaccines nationwide and one vaccine in endemic regions.
Over the past decade, UIP has expanded to include Tetanus & Adult Diphtheria, Inactivated Poliovirus, Measles-Rubella, Rotavirus, Pneumococcal Conjugate, and Japanese Encephalitis vaccines, enhancing population-level protection.
Full immunisation coverage rose from 62% in 2014 (NFHS-4) towards the national target of 90%, through strategic interventions.

Mission Indradhanush (MI) and Intensified MI (IMI):

Mission Indradhanush (2014) aimed to achieve 90% full immunisation coverage, prioritising children and pregnant women in low-coverage regions.
Intensified MI (IMI 2017) adopted a targeted approach for underserved populations.
By 2023, 12 phases had vaccinated 5.46 crore children and 1.32 crore pregnant women, integrated with campaigns like Gram Swaraj Abhiyan to enhance outreach.

Key Achievements in Vaccine Coverage:

Polio-free status since 2011, maternal and neonatal tetanus elimination (2015), and Yaws elimination (2016).
Nationwide Measles-Rubella catch-up campaign (2017–19) vaccinated 34.8 crore children aged 9 months–15 years.
COVID-19 pandemic disrupted routine immunisation, leading to measles outbreaks (2022–24), highlighting immunity gaps.
IMI 5.0 (2023) and Zero Measles-Rubella Elimination campaign (2025) targeted under-five children, aiming for >95% coverage and strengthened herd immunity.

Technology Integration and Infrastructure Strengthening:

Cold chain and logistics strengthened through the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission.
Digital platforms:
- U-WIN – end-to-end vaccination tracking for children and pregnant women.
- eVIN – real-time vaccine stock monitoring.
- NCCMIS – cold chain management system.
- SAFE-VAC – adverse event reporting.
CO-WIN success leveraged during COVID-19: over 220 crore doses administered by January 2023, with 97% one-dose coverage and 90% fully vaccinated.

Global Contributions and Recognition:

Vaccine Maitri initiative enabled India to supply vaccines to low- and middle-income countries, reflecting Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
India has emerged as the world’s largest vaccine manufacturing hub, with domestic capacity ensuring global public health support.
Awarded the Measles and Rubella Champion Award (2024) by the Measles and Rubella Partnership, acknowledging India’s leadership in the South-East Asia Region.

What are the Challenges and Way Forward?

Persistent gaps remain in reaching remote, migratory, and hesitant populations.
Need for integration of disease surveillance with immunisation efforts, anti-vaccine misinformation monitoring, and a ONE-HEALTH approach linking human, animal, and environmental health.
Ensuring equitable vaccine access, strengthening public trust, and maintaining robust supply chains are critical for epidemic/pandemic preparedness.

India’s immunisation programmes over the past decade are globally recognised, demonstrating excellence in vaccine coverage, technology integration, supply chain strengthening, and public-private partnerships. Sustaining and expanding these gains requires continuous surveillance, innovative outreach, and a ONE-HEALTH lens, ensuring India remains resilient against future epidemics and public health challenges.

EDITORIAL 02

Getting GST 2.0 to run like a well-oiled machine