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Hindustan Times
24-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
A future at risk: Prioritising women, children, adolescents
The last few months have proven to be catastrophic for global health and development. Sector-wide funding cuts and a lack of alternative options, and a pushback on critical rights, threaten the gains made over recent decades. This is when access to quality sexual and reproductive health services, particularly for women and girls, continues to be inadequate. And maternal deaths remain unacceptably high. As per the latest WHO estimates, a maternal death occurred nearly every two minutes in 2023, and every day in 2023, over 700 women died from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. WHO also estimates that globally, one in seven 10- to 19-year-olds experiences a mental health issue, accounting for 15% of the global burden of disease in this age group. Depression, anxiety, and behavioural disorders are among the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15- to 19-year-olds. According to Unicef, globally in 2023, an estimated 13% of adolescent girls and young women gave birth before age 18. Global commitments such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Every Woman Every Child initiative have driven progress, yet we are not on track to meet our targets by 2030. The cost of inaction is too high. Between now and 2050, it is estimated that the world will lose over $110 trillion in potential benefits if we fail to invest in adolescent well-being alone. Change must begin with three key shifts. First, we must put women, children, and adolescents at the centre of policies and investments. We must prioritise and invest in health systems and interventions that are people-centred, inclusive, and resilient, particularly for those who have historically been left behind. This includes scaling up integrated SRHR services, mental health support, and nutrition interventions. Second, we must ensure youth-driven and youth-co-owned solutions. Adolescents must not be seen as passive beneficiaries but as co-creators of the systems and services they use. When young people are empowered to lead — through youth-led accountability, advocacy, and research — we see smarter, more sustainable results. Third, we must strengthen partnerships and accountability. Governments, civil society, the private sector, and multilateral actors must work together in partnership, through shared action, resources, and decision-making. India offers a powerful example of what's possible. It has reduced maternal mortality from 130 per 100,000 live births in 2014-16 to 97 per 100,000 live births in 2018-20, and expanded access to care through initiatives such as Janani Suraksha Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan, which promote institutional deliveries and access to skilled care. Child health has also seen marked progress through programmes like Mission Indradhanush, expanding immunisation coverage, and Poshan Abhiyaan, addressing malnutrition at scale. For adolescents, the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) has created a strong platform for delivering age-appropriate health services. As the largest alliance for women, children, and adolescents, Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH) is bringing together partners to focus on the need for urgent and swift implementation of the World Health Assembly Resolution on Maternal and Child Health, which calls for strengthened health systems, increased investments, and enhanced accountability. We have the tools. We have the evidence. Now, we must act — with urgency, with boldness, and in solidarity. A healthier, more equitable world isn't a luxury — it's a necessity, a must-have. Rajat Khosla is executive director, PMNCH, and Helen Clark, PMNCH Board Chair and former Prime Minister, New Zealand. The views expressed are personal
The Hindu
27-04-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Community participation and digital innovation vital for universal immunisation: UNDP India chief
Why is India not yet able to achieve 100% universal immunisation coverage despite sustained efforts? What are the key challenges, and what will it take to move from the current 93% to full coverage? Reaching 93% immunisation coverage is a remarkable milestone for a country as vast and diverse as India. It reflects the leadership of the government and commitment of the health system in protecting millions of children and pregnant women from vaccine-preventable diseases like measles, diphtheria, polio, and tetanus. This achievement significantly reduces infant mortality and ensures a healthier and more productive population. However, the remaining 7% of children who are not fully immunised typically belong to marginalised communities - migrant families, tribal populations, and people living in remote or hard-to-reach areas. These groups often face barriers such as vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, lack of awareness, and irregular access to health services. For example, families who frequently move for seasonal work may not know when or where vaccines are being administered or may not be able to access consistent care. To address these challenges, the Government of India has implemented intensive outreach campaigns like Mission Indradhanush and Intensified Mission Indradhanush, both of which focus on reaching the last mile. Building on these efforts, a new initiative called the Community of Practice for Demand (CoP-D) has been launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in collaboration with [United Nations agencies] UNDP, UNICEF, [vaccine alliance] GAVI, and other partners. CoP-D aims to engage local communities directly to raise awareness about the importance of vaccines, understand the roots of hesitancy, and develop tailored strategies to reach vulnerable populations more effectively. It will also work closely with frontline health workers like ASHAs, whose unwavering commitment has long been the backbone of India's immunisation outreach. Additionally, India's adoption of digital tools such as the eVIN (Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network) and U-WIN (Universal Immunisation Programme-WIN) is revolutionising the way vaccines are tracked and distributed. These technologies help ensure that health centres maintain adequate vaccine stocks and can monitor immunization schedules and coverage, making it easier to reach every child. Closing the remaining gap will require sustained political commitment, community engagement, and continued innovation in both outreach and technology. Could you elaborate on how the Community of Practice for Demand (CoP-D) will function? How do various agencies coordinate to increase awareness and drive vaccine demand? Reaching unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children is only possible with a blend of collaboration and innovation – and that's where the newly launched Community of Practice – Demand steps in. Led by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, supported by UNDP and GAVI, COP-D is a dynamic think tank that brings together government, civil society, U.N. agencies like WHO and UNICEF and community-based organisations to co-create innovative, locally relevant solutions that drive immunisation demand. At the heart of COP-D is the goal to overcome barriers like vaccine hesitancy and lack of awareness. It works at three levels: Locally, it engages frontline workers, community-based organisations, self-help groups, women's groups, adolescent groups, resident welfare associations and community leaders and influencers to spark behaviour change and boost vaccine uptake. At the national and State levels, it supports strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and implementation to tackle systemic issues and scale successful models. COP-D also taps into global best practices, adapting them to India's diverse realities through research and grassroots testing. Could you speak to the implementation and impact of the Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVIN)? What is the long-term vision, and what challenges remain? eVIN was launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare with support from UNDP and GAVI. It was a response to critical gaps in the vaccine supply chain—temperature breaches, inconsistent stock levels, and lack of digital tracking—all of which affected vaccine quality and availability. What began as a pilot in just three States has [now] transformed vaccine logistics nationwide. By using mobile and web-based tools, eVIN offers real-time data on vaccine stock levels, storage temperatures, and distribution. Its success was evident early on—by 2016 it expanded to 9 more States, and a 2018 government evaluation showed it had saved over 90 million doses and yielded a return of $2.91 for every $1 invested. Today, eVIN spans over 30,000 cold chain points across all States and Union Territories. The next step is integration with platforms like U-WIN to create a seamless, end-to-end digital backbone to support every aspect of immunisation - from vaccine supply to beneficiary tracking to recording the final jab. India is now developing advanced dashboards and analytics tools, with UNDP's support, to empower local programme managers – the goal is sharper monitoring, quicker decisions, and more targeted action. Globally, eVIN has already inspired similar models in Indonesia, Malawi, and Sudan. With continued investment and collaboration, it has the potential to become a gold standard for vaccine management - both in India and worldwide. What are the immediate benefits observed from the U-WIN platform, and how does it ensure data privacy for beneficiaries? U-WIN began as a pilot in January 2023 and was launched nationwide by Prime Minister Modi in 2024. U-WIN is a game-changing digital platform designed to make immunisation services more accessible, transparent, and efficient for the U-WIN, parents can book vaccination appointments and access services anywhere in the country. It sends automated SMS reminders, issues QR-based e-vaccination certificates, and supports frontline health workers in mobilising communities and managing immunisation drives more effectively. The results have been phenomenal. In just over a year, U-WIN has registered over 69 million children and 24 million pregnant women, and digitally tracked more than 388 million vaccine doses (as of April 20). This level of uptake speaks volumes about its usability and trust among beneficiaries. As for data privacy, safeguarding personal information is paramount. U-WIN is equipped with advanced security features to safeguard privacy and block unauthorised access. All beneficiary data is encrypted, and the platform undergoes regular security audits by government-certified agencies. These steps ensure that sensitive beneficiary data remains protected and confidential at all times.
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Gujarat launches drive to eradicate measles, rubella by 2026
Gandhinagar: The state govt on Thursday announced that it will launch an intensive drive to immunise children against measles and rubella, aiming to eradicate the diseases in the state by 2026. State health minister Rushikesh Patel and officials from the state health department virtually joined the 'Measles and Rubella Eradication Campaign 2025-26', launched from New Delhi by union health minister J P Nadda on Thursday. You Can Also Check: Ahmedabad AQI | Weather in Ahmedabad | Bank Holidays in Ahmedabad | Public Holidays in Ahmedabad As part of the universal immunisation programme in the state, the first dose of the measles and rubella vaccine is given to a child at 9-12 months, and the second dose at 16-24 months to ensure protection. In Gujarat, cases of measles decreased from about 4,000 in 2023 to just 471 in 2024, the govt stated. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 10 Mysterious Photos That Cannot Be Explained True Edition Undo The govt statement added that earlier, a strategy for measles and rubella eradication was prepared, and instructions for implementation were given during a meeting chaired by the chief secretary with collectors, municipal commissioners, district development officers, and other officials. The govt mentioned that regular surveillance by districts and municipal corporations will be intensified, and weekly reviews via video conferencing will be conducted. Additionally, an intensive 'Mission Indradhanush' will be conducted from Aug to Oct this year for all unvaccinated children, and special immunisation weeks will be held four times a year. Under the 'Khilkhilat' drive earlier this year, a special campaign was held from Jan 16 to 22, where 25,736 children were vaccinated. During the measles-rubella drive on March 15 and 16, 29,238 children were vaccinated, the statement said. Gujarat minister Patel stated that vaccination analysis will be conducted at the village level to achieve a 95% target for MR 1 and MR 2 vaccinations in all districts and municipal corporations. He added that as part of the World Immunisation Week, which is being observed from April 24 to 30, special vaccination drives have been planned across the state.
Time of India
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Tinsukia DC bags PM's Award for Excellence in Public Administration
1 2 Dibrugarh: Tinsukia district commissioner Swapneel Paul was conferred with the prestigious Prime Minister's Award for Excellence in Public Administration 2024 in the " Holistic Development of Districts " category on Monday. Paul, a 2018-batch IAS officer, received the award from the PM during a ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, achieving a milestone as the first DC from Tinsukia district to receive the recognition. The award acknowledges his exceptional contributions to the district's integrated development through the successful implementation of key central schemes , including Har Ghar Jal, PM Awas Yojana, Ayushman Bharat and PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, among others. Under Paul's leadership, Tinsukia witnessed transformative progress in infrastructure, healthcare, women's welfare and rural electrification. His initiatives under Mission Indradhanush and Poshan 2.0 significantly improved vaccination and nutrition levels, while PM SVANidhi and Kisan Credit Card schemes boosted livelihoods. "This award is a recognition of the collective efforts of my team and the people of Tinsukia. Our focus has always been on inclusive growth, ensuring no one is left behind in the journey of development," Paul said.
Time of India
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Koraput receives PM's excellence award for ‘holistic devpt'
1 2 3 Koraput: Tribal-dominated Koraput district was awarded the Prime Minister's Award for Excellence in Public Administration 2024 under the category of ' holistic development of districts' on Monday. The award was presented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to collector-cum-district magistrate Keerthi Vasan V during a function in New Delhi, coinciding with Civil Services Day. The award recognises the districts outstanding performance in implementing social welfare and development schemes aimed at last-mile delivery. "This recognition is the result of several innovative steps taken to ensure that social security schemes reach the last mile," the collector told TOI. According to the collector, effective implementation of initiatives such as Har Ghar Jal Yojana, PM Awas Yojana (Urban and Rural), Mission Indradhanush, PM-Jan Arogya Yojana, PM Ujjwala Yojana, PM SVANidhi, PM Matru Vandana Yojana, PM Vishwakarma Yojana, PM Poshan Yojana and the Kisan Credit Card scheme, among others, contributed to the recognition. The collector noted that PM Matru Vandana Yojana has been instrumental in promoting institutional deliveries. "We are effectively running Maa Gruha centres (maternity waiting homes) where pregnant women are shifted 15 days before their expected date of delivery, ensuring their complete care for safe institutional births," he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Additionally, under PM Poshan Yojana, millet-based food items are being provided in schools and govt-run residential institutes catering to SC and ST students. Calling the achievement a result of collective effort, he said, "It was a team effort involving all members of the district administration . The award is a great motivation for us to continue addressing the challenges faced by our people." The award includes a trophy, a scroll, and an incentive of Rs 20 lakh, which will be utilised to further strengthen welfare programmes or fill resource gaps in public service delivery. Koraput: Tribal-dominated Koraput district was awarded the Prime Minister's Award for Excellence in Public Administration 2024 under the category of 'holistic development of districts' on Monday. The award was presented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to collector-cum-district magistrate Keerthi Vasan V during a function in New Delhi, coinciding with Civil Services Day. The award recognises the districts outstanding performance in implementing social welfare and development schemes aimed at last-mile delivery. "This recognition is the result of several innovative steps taken to ensure that social security schemes reach the last mile," the collector told TOI. According to the collector, effective implementation of initiatives such as Har Ghar Jal Yojana, PM Awas Yojana (Urban and Rural), Mission Indradhanush, PM-Jan Arogya Yojana, PM Ujjwala Yojana, PM SVANidhi, PM Matru Vandana Yojana, PM Vishwakarma Yojana, PM Poshan Yojana and the Kisan Credit Card scheme, among others, contributed to the recognition. The collector noted that PM Matru Vandana Yojana has been instrumental in promoting institutional deliveries. "We are effectively running Maa Gruha centres (maternity waiting homes) where pregnant women are shifted 15 days before their expected date of delivery, ensuring their complete care for safe institutional births," he said. Additionally, under PM Poshan Yojana, millet-based food items are being provided in schools and govt-run residential institutes catering to SC and ST students. Calling the achievement a result of collective effort, he said, "It was a team effort involving all members of the district administration. The award is a great motivation for us to continue addressing the challenges faced by our people." The award includes a trophy, a scroll, and an incentive of Rs 20 lakh, which will be utilised to further strengthen welfare programmes or fill resource gaps in public service delivery.
