Zero-dose children in India declined from 0.11% in 2023 to 0.06% in 2024: Union Health Ministry
New Delhi: The percentage of zero-dose children (Those who have not received a single
vaccine
) in
India
has declined from 0.11% in 2023 to 0.06% in 2024, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The ministry attributed the achievement to continued and sustained efforts and intensified implementation of vaccination drives and campaigns across the country.
These achievements have positioned India as a global exemplar in child health, as acknowledged by the UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) in its 2024 report. India has been bestowed with the prestigious Measles and Rubella Champion Award by The Measles and Rubella Partnership (American Red Cross, BMGF, GAVI, US CDC, UNF, UNICEF, and WHO) at the American Red Cross Headquarters in Washington, DC, USA on March 6th, 2024, for its committed endeavours, said the ministry.
The effect of the increased number of lifesaving vaccines in reducing mortality and morbidity in children due to diarrhea, pneumonia, meningitis & encephalitis is also clearly observable.
As per the latest SRS (2020-22), the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) of India has declined from 130/lakh live births in 2014-16 to 88/lakh live births in 2020-22. As per the United Nations Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (UN-MMEIG 2000-2023) report, the MMR of India stands at 80 per lakh live births, reflecting an 86% decline relative to the global reduction of 48% since 1990.
As per the United Nations Inter-Agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UNIGME 2024 Report), India achieved a 78% decline in the Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR) surpassing the global reduction of 61% and 70% decline in the Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) compared to 54% globally during 1990 - 2023.
In addition to focused attention on increasing vaccination coverage, India's
Universal Immunisation Programme
(UIP) embodies a comprehensive range of vaccines recommended by the
World Health Organisation
(WHO).
Till 2013, there were only six available vaccines in the program. From 2014, six new vaccines (namely Inactivated Polio-virus Vaccine, Rotavirus Vaccine (RVV), Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV), Measles-Rubella Vaccine, Adult Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine and Tetanus-Diphtheria Vaccine) have been introduced in the programme. Currently, India's UIP covers 12 vaccine-preventable diseases and has seen significant expansion.
With continued focus on improving vaccine coverage, India has taken a proactive and inclusive approach to reach underserved populations. The Govt of India, in consultation with all States/UTs, has launched targeted campaigns to address challenges among zero-dose children, particularly in urban slums, peri-urban areas, migratory populations, hard-to-reach regions, and communities affected by vaccine hesitancy. These efforts are also aligned with the National goal of eliminating Measles and Rubella.
"To amplify our reach, we are leveraging technology and community engagement. The U-WIN platform tracks immunisation status digitally, ensuring no child is missed. Public awareness campaigns are being intensified using mass media, community radio, social media, and even street plays to educate families. Healthcare workers, ASHAs, and ANMs will go door-to-door, not just to vaccinate, but to sensitise the beneficiaries about the benefits of vaccination," the ministry said in a press release.
Some key initiatives include:
Zero Dose Implementation Plan 2024: Rolled out across 143 districts in 11 states with a high burden of unvaccinated children.
Mission Indradhanush (Since 2014): Intensified in 2017 in collaboration with state governments, it has vaccinated 5.46 crore children and 1.32 crore pregnant women previously unreached or under-vaccinated.
Pulse Polio Campaigns: Through National Immunization Days (NIDs) and Sub-National Immunization Days (SNIDs), India has maintained polio-free status since 2014.
Village Health and Nutrition Days (VHNDs): Organized regularly for immunization and outreach activities at the community level.
Multi-tiered Task Forces: State (STFI), District (DTFI), and Block (BTFI) level task forces ensure coordinated and effective implementation.
Regular IEC (Information, Education, Communication) Campaigns: Help increase awareness and combat vaccine hesitancy.
The annual birth cohort in India (2.6 crore) exceeds the total population of several countries, including New Zealand, Australia, Finland, and Switzerland.
Given the varying sizes of the countries across the globe, the percentage comparison shows it at par with the vaccination coverage levels observed in many high-income countries for e.g., New Zealand (DTP-1 93%), Germany & Finland (DPT-3 91%), Sweden (MCV-1 93%), Luxembourg (MCV-2 90%), Ireland (PCV-3 83%), United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (Rota C 90%). (
WUNEIC
report 2023).
The comparative results of countries on zero dose children as a percentage of the total population shows that Yemen (1.68%), Sudan (1.45%), Angola (1.1%), Afghanistan (1.1%), Nigeria (0.98%), DR Congo (0.82%), Ethiopia (0.72%), Indonesia (0.23%), Pakistan (0.16%) have far more zero dose children as a percentage of their population compared to India's (0.11% during 2023 as per the last Wuneic report released.
Any comparison of India with any other countries with high burden zero-dose children needs to take into consideration India's large population size and high vaccination coverage rate. Therefore, any interpretation or analysis based on isolated factors does not lend credence to the country's progress on its immunisation program, said the ministry.
The
Universal
immunisation program has always been prioritised by the Government of India to ensure that the children of our country are protected against deadly diseases. Elimination of Polio in 2014 and Maternal & Neonatal Tetanus in 2015, and the recent launch of the Measles Rubella campaign in 2025 is a testament to the fact. With focused strategies and committed healthcare workers, the endeavour will always be last-mile delivery to ensure comprehensive vaccination coverage.
Vaccination remains one of the most powerful and cost-effective public health interventions. India's unwavering commitment to immunization is evident through its
Universal Immunization Programme
(UIP), which provides free vaccination services annually to 2.9 crore pregnant women and 2.6 crore infants (0-1 year).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
2 hours ago
- First Post
PM Modi slams Congress for Emergency, plays archives of Vajpayee, Desai in Mann Ki Baat
PM Modi, in his Mann Ki Baat address on Sunday (29 June), criticised the Congress for imposing the Emergency 50 years ago. He called it a dark chapter in India's history and played old speeches of Morarji Desai, Vajpayee who spoke about the struggles people faced during that time. read more Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on Sunday (29 June) during the 123rd episode of his monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat. During his address, he criticised the Congress party and its then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi for imposing the Emergency, as the dark phase completed 50 years on 26 June this year. He said the country had marked 50 years since the Emergency was imposed just a few days ago and observed it as Samvidhan Hatya Divas (Constitution Murder Day). 'We must remember those who bravely fought against the Emergency. This inspires us to remain vigilant to safeguard our Constitution,' he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Speaking about the Emergency imposed in 1975, he said, 'Those who imposed the Emergency not only murdered the spirit of the Constitution but also tried to suppress the judiciary like puppets.' The Prime Minister also played archival audio recordings of leaders such as Morarji Desai, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Jagjivan Ram, who spoke about the hardships faced by people during the Emergency. In his speech, he also spoke about International Yoga Day, observed on 21 June, which saw millions participating across India. 'We saw many mesmerising images of the celebration. In Visakhapatnam, three lakh people practised yoga together on the beach. Another incredible sight was over 2,000 tribal students performing 108 Surya Namaskars for 108 minutes. Imagine the discipline needed. A grand display of yoga was also held on our naval ships,' PM Modi said. India declared trachoma-free PM Modi also shared that the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared India free of trachoma, a bacterial eye infection that can cause blindness. 'I am delighted to share that WHO has declared India free of trachoma. This is the success of our health workers. The Jal Jeevan Mission has contributed to this achievement,' he said. Growth in social security coverage The Prime Minister noted that, according to an International Labour Organization (ILO) report, 64 per cent of India's population now has access to social security—nearly four times higher than during the previous Congress-led government. 'The ILO report states that 64 per cent of the population definitely has access to social security. Nearly 95 crore people are benefiting from these schemes, compared to fewer than 25 crore in 2015,' PM Modi said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
The Hindu
4 hours ago
- The Hindu
‘Mann ki Baat': WHO declares India free of Trachoma, says PM Modi
In his monthly 'Mann Ki Baat' programme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (June 29, 2025) said that India has been declared free of Trachoma — an eye disease. In the 123rd episode, Mr. Modi said, 'I am delighted to share with you that World Health Organisation [WHO] had declared India free of Trachoma, an eye disease.' Trachoma is a bacterial infection of the eyes caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. It's a leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide, particularly in impoverished areas with poor access to clean water and sanitation. 'International Labour Organisation has said over 64% of Indian population is getting some form of social protection benefit,' PM Modi noted. 'Over 95 crore Indians now benefitting from some social security scheme, govt schemes reached less than 25 crore people in 2015,' he added.
News18
4 hours ago
- News18
‘Success Of Health Workers': PM Modi On India Being Declared Trachoma-Free Nation
Last Updated: Last month, India was awarded the Certificate of Elimination of Trachoma as a Public Health Problem by the WHO at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed the success of Indian health workers after World Health Organisation (WHO) declared India free of Trachoma, an eye disease. While addressing the 123rd episode of his monthly radio program, Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi said, 'I am delighted to share with you that WHO has declared India free of Trachoma, an eye disease. This is the success of our health workers. 'Jal Jeevan' Mission has contributed to this." He also mentioned about the International Yoga Day and said that millions across the country and the world took part in the celebrations. Addressing the radio program, PM Modi said, 'On June 21, millions across the country and the world took part in the International Day of Yoga celebrations. It began 10 years ago. Over the 10 years, every year his tradition has become grander than before. This indicates that more people are incorporating yoga into their lives." He further emphasised upon the resumption of Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra and the upcoming Amarnath Yatra. He said that the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra has resumed after a long time, marking a significant moment for devotees. He also said that the Amarnath Yatra is set to begin from July 3, enabling pilgrims to embark on this sacred journey once again. 'My best wishes to those who are about to embark on these pilgrimages," he added. Last month, India was awarded the Certificate of Elimination of Trachoma as a Public Health Problem by the World Health Organisation (WHO) at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva. In October last year, the WHO declared that the Government of India had eliminated Trachoma as a public health problem. India also became the third country in the Southeast Asia region to reach this public health milestone. The government has taken various steps under the National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment (NPCBVI) to eliminate Trachoma. Since 2019, the National Programme has developed a continuous surveillance setup for trachoma cases by collecting case reports from all the districts in the country via sa pecific WHO shared format. The National Trachomatous Trichiasis survey was done in 200 endemic districts of the country during 2021-24, which was a mandate set by WHO.
