Zero-dose children: India's immunisation coverage surpasses global averages, says Centre
Even as the latest Lancet paper marked India among eight countries with a high burden of zero-dose children, those who had never received a routine childhood vaccine, the Union government on Saturday said that the country's large population size, and high vaccination coverage rate must be considered when making such comparisons.
The government noted that 'India's antigen-wise immunisation coverage surpasses global averages across all antigens'.
In other words, the vaccination strategy deployed in India is targeted against antigens, which can trigger an immune response resisting pathogens (like a virus or bacteria).
The global study, led by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, US, showed that in 2023, more than half of the world's 15.7 million unvaccinated children were living in just eight countries. These were primarily in sub-Saharan Africa (53 per cent) and South Asia (13 per cent): Nigeria, India, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, Indonesia, and Brazil.
The government stated that with continued, sustained efforts and intensified implementation of vaccination drives and campaigns across the country, the percentage of zero-dose children in India has actually declined to 0.06 per cent in 2024 from 0.11 per cent in 2023.
The numbers, which positioned India as a global exemplar in child health, have also been acknowledged by the UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation in its 2024 report, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said.
Further, citing the WUNEIC report 2023, the Ministry explained that the national coverage for Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) -- DTP1 and DTP3 -- ranks among the highest compared to other countries with the largest number of zero-dose children.
According to WUENIC 2023, India, with a high population size and socio-geographical diversity, National DTP-1 (Penta-1) has a coverage of 93 per cent, which is 2.47 crore out of 2.65 crore infants have been vaccinated, even though during the equivalent period, which is significantly higher than Nigeria's 70 per cent.
There is a commensurate decrease in dropout percentage from DTP-1 to DTP-3, from 7 per cent in 2013 to 2 per cent in 2023, and an increase in coverage of Measles from 83 per cent in 2013 to 93 per cent in 2023.
The comparative results of countries on zero dose children as a percentage of the total population shows that Yemen (1.68 per cent), Sudan (1.45 per cent), Angola (1.1 per cent), Afghanistan (1.1 per cent), Nigeria (0.98 per cent), DR Congo (0.82 per cent), Ethiopia (0.72 per cent), Indonesia (0.23 per cent), Pakistan (0.16 per cent) have far more zero dose children as a percentage of their population compared to India's 0.11 per cent during 2023 as per the last Wuneic report released.
Thus, '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,' the Ministry said.
'Therefore, any interpretation or analysis based on isolated factors does not lend credence to the country's progress on its immunisation programme,' it added.
The Ministry said that India's unwavering commitment to immunisation is evident in its elimination of polio in 2014 and maternal and neonatal tetanus in 2015, and the roll-out of the measles-rubella campaign in 2025.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Economic Times
an hour ago
- Economic Times
Forget weight-loss jabs: These nutritionist-approved foods can naturally cut fat without side effects
iStock Dubai-based dietitian suggests that everyday foods like avocados, oats, eggs, and chia seeds can mimic the effects of popular weight-loss injections—without the side effects. These natural options support digestion, suppress cravings, and help regulate blood sugar. (Image: iStock) In an era where weight-loss injections are making headlines for their dramatic results, one nutrition expert argues you might not need a prescription to slim down—just a better grocery list. Maria AbiHanna, a Dubai-based dietitian and certified eating disorder practitioner, recently told The Daily Mail that several simple food groups can naturally mimic the effects of popular weight-loss medications that stimulate the GLP-1 hormone. These jabs—originally designed for diabetes and now used widely for weight loss—work by slowing digestion and promoting satiety. But they also come with a host of unpleasant side effects, from nausea and diarrhoea to long-term dependency concerns. AbiHanna's point? Your fridge can do what the pharmacy does—without the backlash. At the top of her list are healthy fats like avocados, nut butters, and oily fish such as mackerel. These aren't just calorie-rich snacks—they help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins like D and E, promote heart health, and most importantly, curb cravings. While fats were once the villains of weight loss, science now champions them as satiety superstars. Protein is another powerful player. Eggs, Greek yogurt, and edamame beans pack in protein that doesn't just fuel your muscles—it also 'turns off cravings before they even start,' AbiHanna explained. A single serving of Greek yogurt offers up to 20 grams of protein, helping you stay full for hours without snacking. Then there's fibre—the often-overlooked hero of gut health and sustained fullness. Foods like oats, lentils, and chia seeds not only slow digestion but also help keep blood sugar steady. Chia seeds, for example, expand in your stomach, literally creating a sense of fullness. Lentils and oats, with their mix of fibre and resistant starch, offer long-lasting satisfaction without a calorie spike. Despite these benefits, most people fall short. According to the British Dietetic Association, the average Brit consumes only 18g of fibre daily—well below the recommended 30g. Yet a 2023 study in Science confirmed that those on fibre-rich diets lost significantly more weight than others, even when calorie intake was roughly the same. Leafy greens and high-volume, low-calorie veggies like cucumber and broccoli play a clever trick on the body: they stretch the stomach without loading it with calories. 'To feel fuller on fewer calories,' AbiHanna advised, 'add greens to every meal.' And when it comes to carbohydrates—often blamed for weight gain—it's the type that counts. Slow-burning carbs like sweet potatoes and quinoa release energy gradually, preventing the spikes and crashes that lead to cravings. 'Think long-term fuel, not fast-burning fire,' she said. 'If it stabilises your blood sugar, it stabilises your hunger.' Even snack time can be strategic. Green tea and matcha can suppress hunger pangs naturally, and simple combinations like apple slices provide the ideal balance of fibre and fat to keep you satisfied without reaching for sugary alternatives. AbiHanna sums it up best: 'This isn't about dieting or willpower—it's about working with your biology, not against it.' Weight-loss drugs have skyrocketed in popularity, some users report losing up to 20% of their body weight in mere months. But the side effects—and the dependency risks—are leading many to seek sustainable, food-based alternatives. While medications have their place in combating obesity, this fresh perspective reminds us that sometimes the simplest solutions lie not in a syringe, but in a salad bowl.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Forget weight-loss jabs: These nutritionist-approved foods can naturally cut fat without side effects
In an era where weight-loss injections are making headlines for their dramatic results, one nutrition expert argues you might not need a prescription to slim down—just a better grocery list. Maria AbiHanna, a Dubai-based dietitian and certified eating disorder practitioner, recently told The Daily Mail that several simple food groups can naturally mimic the effects of popular weight-loss medications that stimulate the GLP-1 hormone . These jabs—originally designed for diabetes and now used widely for weight loss—work by slowing digestion and promoting satiety. But they also come with a host of unpleasant side effects, from nausea and diarrhoea to long-term dependency concerns. AbiHanna's point? Your fridge can do what the pharmacy does—without the backlash. Avocados Over Injections? At the top of her list are healthy fats like avocados, nut butters, and oily fish such as mackerel. These aren't just calorie-rich snacks—they help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins like D and E, promote heart health, and most importantly, curb cravings. While fats were once the villains of weight loss, science now champions them as satiety superstars. Protein is another powerful player. Eggs, Greek yogurt, and edamame beans pack in protein that doesn't just fuel your muscles—it also 'turns off cravings before they even start,' AbiHanna explained. A single serving of Greek yogurt offers up to 20 grams of protein, helping you stay full for hours without snacking. You Might Also Like: Alia Bhatt's nutritionist guarantees this weight loss diet plan is the only one that always works The Fibre Factor Then there's fibre—the often-overlooked hero of gut health and sustained fullness. Foods like oats, lentils, and chia seeds not only slow digestion but also help keep blood sugar steady. Chia seeds, for example, expand in your stomach, literally creating a sense of fullness. Lentils and oats, with their mix of fibre and resistant starch, offer long-lasting satisfaction without a calorie spike. Despite these benefits, most people fall short. According to the British Dietetic Association, the average Brit consumes only 18g of fibre daily—well below the recommended 30g. Yet a 2023 study in Science confirmed that those on fibre-rich diets lost significantly more weight than others, even when calorie intake was roughly the same. iStock Foods like oats, lentils, and chia seeds not only slow digestion but also help keep blood sugar steady. (Image: iStock) Volume Eating: The Trick of Feeling Full Leafy greens and high-volume, low-calorie veggies like cucumber and broccoli play a clever trick on the body: they stretch the stomach without loading it with calories. 'To feel fuller on fewer calories,' AbiHanna advised, 'add greens to every meal.' And when it comes to carbohydrates—often blamed for weight gain—it's the type that counts. Slow-burning carbs like sweet potatoes and quinoa release energy gradually, preventing the spikes and crashes that lead to cravings. 'Think long-term fuel, not fast-burning fire,' she said. 'If it stabilises your blood sugar, it stabilises your hunger.' You Might Also Like: Want to lose weight faster? This science-backed diet plan can help you lower weight and cholesterol levels faster than intermittent eating iStock Leafy greens and high-volume, low-calorie veggies like cucumber and broccoli play a clever trick on the body: they stretch the stomach without loading it with calories. (Image: iStock) Snack Smarter, Not Harder Even snack time can be strategic. Green tea and matcha can suppress hunger pangs naturally, and simple combinations like apple slices provide the ideal balance of fibre and fat to keep you satisfied without reaching for sugary alternatives. AbiHanna sums it up best: 'This isn't about dieting or willpower—it's about working with your biology, not against it.' iStock Green tea and matcha can suppress hunger pangs naturally. (Image: iStock) The Bigger Picture Weight-loss drugs have skyrocketed in popularity, some users report losing up to 20% of their body weight in mere months. But the side effects—and the dependency risks—are leading many to seek sustainable, food-based alternatives. While medications have their place in combating obesity, this fresh perspective reminds us that sometimes the simplest solutions lie not in a syringe, but in a salad bowl. You Might Also Like: R Madhavan's weight loss and fitness secret is just one simple rule; literally anyone can follow it
India Gazette
2 hours ago
- India Gazette
Gujarat: Mansukh Mandaviya leads Fit India Sundays on Cycle; events organised in 6000 locations nationwide with 'Swacchata Senanis'
Bhavnagar (Gujarat) [India], June 29 (ANI): Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, led a diverse group, especially the 'Swachhta Senanis', our frontline cleanliness warriors, in a special edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle this morning in Palitana, Gujarat, according to a release from Sai Media. Held simultaneously across 6,000 locations nationwide, the cycling drives saw various staff. They associated workers from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, sanitation workers, Nagar Palika Nigam staff, as well as state and district municipal corporations, taking centre stage. This was the 29th edition of the cycling movement that started nationwide in December 2024. The Fit India Sundays on Cycle event has also received special mention from Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his radio program, Mann Ki Baat, solidifying its place as one of India's flagship health and wellness campaigns. In Palitana, various cycling clubs across the Bhavnagar district joined in. In his hometown of Palitana, Mandaviya reaffirmed that the campaign has turned into a movement now. 'Our Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji's Fit India movement, launched in 2019, is being taken forward in the best way possible through the Sundays on Cycle. This is no longer just a campaign - it is a movement,' Mandaviya said. 'With the 'Swachhata Senanis' leading the way, we're sending a strong signal that fitness and cleanliness go hand in hand. Everyone, big or small, must do their bit for Viksit Bharat, and we have to make cycling the trend in this modern generation.' From urban locations to small towns, citizens took to the streets early in the morning in a show of unity and commitment toward a healthier lifestyle. Besides the Swachhata Senanis, Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs), local police, MYBharat volunteers from NYKS, NSS, etc., also joined in. In the national capital Delhi, a crowd of nearly 1,000 cyclists gathered at the iconic Connaught Place for the event, co-hosted by the Raahgiri Foundation and New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC). Chief guest Babita Phogat, Padma Shri awardee and former Commonwealth Games gold medalist, praised the initiative for creating a movement that goes beyond physical fitness. 'When our Hon'ble Prime Minister started this campaign, we were thrilled to be a part of it. Events like these give us mental satisfaction and encouraging our youth to embrace active lifestyles. Today morning, everyone present in CP were just talking about Fit India and Sundays on Cycle. The spirit was full, and I'm sure many who cycled for the first time in years will continue doing so as well as inspire others,' said Babita Phogat. The other key attractions that took place on the sidelines of the cycling included Zumba, rope skipping, folk dance, nukkad natak, yoga sessions, open mic, etc. The rope skipping activity was organised by a team led by Dr. Shikha Gupta. Started by Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Mansukh Mandaviya in December 2024, the 'FIT India Sundays on Cycle' movement, organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), MY Bharat and Yogasana Bharat, has been held in more than 11000 locations across the country so far with participation of more than 4 lakh individuals. More than 2000 Cycling Clubs are part of the movement and actively participate every Sunday. These cycling drives are conducted by several Khelo India Centres (KICs), Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCEs), SAI Training Centres (STCs), Khelo India Accredited Academies (KIAAs), Regional Centres (RCs), as well as various National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs) across the country. (ANI)
