Latest news with #U-WIN
Hans India
11-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
District immunisation officer reviews vaccination drive
Kurnool: Dr Naga Prasad Babu, District Immunization Officer, inspected the immunization programme underway at the Urban Primary Health Centre (UPHC) in Weaker Section Colony on Saturday. During his visit, he stressed the need to ensure that all prescribed vaccines are administered promptly to pregnant women and children under five years of age. Dr Babu directed healthcare workers to meticulously record vaccination details of children and expectant mothers in the U-WIN and Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) portals to maintain accurate records and ensure continuity of care. As part of efforts to strengthen maternal and child healthcare services, he announced the launch of the Kilkari Message System. Through this initiative, pregnant women will receive weekly voice messages providing crucial healthcare advice. A total of 72 pre-recorded messages, each lasting about 1 minute and 30 seconds, will be sent from the fourth month of pregnancy until one year after childbirth via calls from the number 0124-4451660. Dr Babu informed that if beneficiaries miss any message, they can dial 14423 to listen to them at their convenience. He clarified that these services are completely free of charge. The Kilkari messages will cover four key areas: maternal health, child health, immunization services, and family planning. Delivered in the voice of Dr Anita, the messages are designed to offer timely advice and guidance to mothers and expecting women, enabling them to make informed decisions and access essential healthcare services. Officials expressed confidence that the programme will help reduce maternal and infant mortality rates in the district. Dr Babu also urged ANMs and ASHA workers to raise awareness about the Kilkari Message System among all pregnant women and mothers with infants below one year of age to ensure maximum participation and benefit from the initiative.
The Hindu
03-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
U-WIN digital initiative records immunisation data of pregnant women, infants in Tiruchi district
The immunisation details of over 45,000 antenatal women and 51,000 infants in Tiruchi district have been uploaded in the database of U-WIN, a digital health initiative by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, since its launch in October 2024. District Health Officer V. C. Hemachand Gandhi said on Saturday that the U-WIN initiative would help to compile immunisation data from both government and private hospitals. 'We have started to make U-WIN registration compulsory in order to get a more comprehensive picture about the health outcomes in the long term,' Dr. Gandhi told The Hindu. As many as 600 vaccinators have been working at 2,376 session sites (where the inoculation is done) in the district, according to official figures. The programme includes data from 152 private hospitals. As many as 300 village health nurses have been trained to record the data from a user-friendly software application. Once registered on U-WIN, the information will be saved on a cloud server and would be integrated with SAFE-VAC (Surveillance and Action for Events following vaccination). The programme allows for self-registration, and generates follow-up appointments automatically. Officials working on the project said that the U-WIN database would help authorities to collate data more effectively and create awareness about the portal's utility in streamlining healthcare services. The U-WIN database records details about the 12 vaccinations being administered to pregnant women and children in Tiruchi district. Diseases such as tuberculosis, diphtheria, whooping cough, jaundice, H-influenza pneumonia, meningitis, tetanus, polio, measles, rubella, rotavirus, diarrhoea, pneumococcal pneumonia and Japanese encephalitis are covered under the vaccination programme.
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.
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Business Standard
25-04-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
India backs tech democracy, offers to share its DPI with the world
India said it is expanding its Digital Public Infrastructure ecosystem into areas such as agriculture and smart cities and stands ready to share successes with the international community, as UN leaders commended the country for its leadership in investing in this domain. Minister of State for the Ministry of Commerce & Industry and the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Jitin Prasada, said that the Indian DPI success story is a showcase to the world. "DPI is all about empowering citizens, good governance, inclusive and sustainable growth at the societal level. The future will not be built by machines alone but by the choices we make about how technology serves humanity, Prasada said in his keynote address at the event organised by India's Permanent Mission to the UN at the world body's headquarters on Thursday. Prasada added that looking forward, India is expanding its DPI ecosystem into agriculture, logistics, smart cities and more. "The next wave will prioritise privacy and data protection, digital skilling and literacy, cross-border DPI partnerships, sustainability and resilience. Artificial Intelligence is going to be a force multiplier for DPI. India is deploying AI, keeping in mind our philosophy of serving the last person at the bottom of the pyramid," he said. Prasada said that India believes that technology must be democratised, made inclusive, affordable and advance human dignity. That is what India's digital public infrastructure represents, he said. President of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, Philemon Yang, commended India on the success of its digital transformation and leadership in investing in digital public infrastructure. "I commend India on the success of its digital transformation and leadership in investing in digital public infrastructure. Indeed, digital public infrastructure holds the key to inclusion in the global digital society. And these technologies are evolving at breakneck speed, he said at the special event titled Empowering the Digital Citizen of the Future: Towards an Integrated Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)'. Yang added that digital technologies are impacting every aspect of human life and are transforming economies, reducing costs, opening new doors to education and healthcare, and empowering citizens like never before. "In India, for example, it means 'anywhere access' to 'anytime vaccination' for any registered pregnant woman or child across the country, he said. Yang noted that he was privileged to see the U-WIN digital initiative himself earlier this year and voiced appreciation for what happens when digital public infrastructure and women and girls are at the heart of the digital revolution. These technologies hold vast potential to unleash progress across the Sustainable Development Goals, he said. India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched the U-WIN (Universal Immunisation Win) that streamlines the entire process of vaccination services. Prasada added that the DPI scales, serves and saves. It is not infrastructure for a few, but it is an architecture for many. A global public good. The world is taking note, he said, adding that over 18 countries are exploring or adopting India's DPI - from Singapore integrating UPI to Sierra Leone piloting digital ID, and DPI elevated to a global agenda at the G20. He said India is pushing for greater representation of the global south in AI discourse. The digital citizen of the future must not be a consumer of technology, but a co-creator of equity... India stands ready to collaborate by sharing its DPIs, Prasada said, adding that India's DPI proves that development can be fast, fair and frictionless. When inclusion is coded into design, exclusion becomes obsolete. Let us work to build a world where digital dignity is a right, not a privilege. India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador P Harish, said that with the launch of Digital India in 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has implemented several unique digital transformational projects. He highlighted Aadhaar, Unified Payments Interface, Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana as well as the Jan Dhan Yojana-Aadhaar-Mobile the so-called JAM Trinity initiative that linked 540 million Jan Dhan bank accounts, with Aadhaar cards, and mobile phone numbers to facilitate Direct Benefit Transfers (DBTs) of government subsidies to needy citizens, ushering in the world's largest financial inclusion programme and reducing leakages and corruption. Harish stressed that AI is redefining Indian agriculture by enhancing productivity, optimising resource use, and improving decision-making for 200 million farmers. Our digital citizens of the future deserve an integrated Digital Public Infrastructure aided by AI systems, so that no one is digitally left behind. Our duty is to work for that, and in such an endeavour, India is a friend and partner of choice for all, especially the Global South, he said. Under-Secretary-General and UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Digital and Emerging Technologies Amandeep Singh Gill said that India's experiment with DPIs is a model and also lauded examples from other regions like Brazil, Southeast Asia, and Africa. We now have enough evidence that DPIs work. They work at scale and they work in a deeply transformative manner, Gill said. Gill added that we are looking at how interoperability across DPIs can improve intra-regional, inter-regional trade and scale for digital entrepreneurs." There is great potential in these challenging times when global trade is under pressure to build resilience and intra-regional scale for entrepreneurs by linking together DPIs and by reimagining them, by building them in more of an interoperable way, Gill added. The event also featured a presentation by Founding CTO of Aadhaar and CEO of Khosla Labs Srikanth Nadhamuni on how India is leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance the impact of its DPI and highlighted that India's inclusive approach to AI and DPIbuilt as global digital public goods can serve as a transformative model for countries worldwide.
The Hindu
23-04-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Data on health indicators show decline in live births, IMR in Tiruchi district
A total of 30,716 live births were reported in the period 2024-2025 (April to March) in Tiruchi district, showing a considerable decline from previous years, according to official data on health indicators. As per a release from the office of the Deputy Director of Health Services (DDHS) Tiruchi, the number of live births in 2022-2023 was 34,735, and had decreased to 32,569 in the period 2023-2024. The sex ratio at birth was recorded at 948 females per 1,000 males in the district. The infant mortality rate (IMR) for the past year is 321 deaths per 1,000 live births, an improvement from 351 in 2023-2024, and 383 in 2022-2023. 'The IMR has gone down because of the decrease in the number of live births. However, we are aiming to reduce our current percentage of 10.5% to below the State average of 7.7%,' V.C. Hemachand Gandhi, DDHS, told The Hindu on Wednesday. Dr. Gandhi said that pre-term delivery in underweight mothers was among the main causes of infant deaths. The lack of parental consent for medical termination of pregnancies when congenital malformations are detected, is another factor, she said. This year, 698 underweight mothers, who have completed 12 weeks of pregnancy have been registered for closer monitoring in Tiruchi district. 'From April, we have opened a case sheet for underweight mothers at all Primary Health Centres in the district. They will be monitored through anganwadis and given nutritional supplements. We have proposed assigning a healthcare worker nearby for each of these mothers to give one-to-one support on a weekly basis,' said Dr. Gandhi. 'We have also tightened the system for scanning for congenital anomalies. Mondays and Thursdays will be given exclusively to ante-natal women in the respective centres. Though maternal deaths are being assessed properly, we need to improve IMR monitoring,' she added. With regards to maternal mortality ratio, according to official statistics, Tiruchi district's MMR stood at 45.6 per 1,00,000 live births during the period 2024-2025 (April to March). A total of 14 maternal deaths were recorded in this period. 'We will start monitoring mothers for thyroid, anemia, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and heart disease. These complications have to be followed carefully, especially in women who are undergoing fertility treatment, and may not be informed about the health risks,' said Dr. Gandhi. A total of 34 still births were recorded in the past year, comparatively lower than 64 in 2023-2024 and 102 in 2022-2023. The immunisation coverage up to March 2025 was also comprehensive. 'We are working on bringing in private healthcare providers into the U-WIN vaccination portal for pregnant women and children under the Universal Immunisation Programme. At present 36 private hospitals are empanelled with us; data from at least 200 paediatric centres will be added to the U-WIN portal. We are also training staff from private hospitals for this procedure,' said Dr. Gandhi.
