Global Immunization Trends 2024: India’s 43% Drop in Zero-Dose Children & UIP Success

Relevance: GS II Important Report

Childhood vaccinations have advanced significantly, according to the 2024 global immunization dataset, the most extensive compilation of data on vaccine coverage against 14 preventable diseases. Remarkably, India has reduced the number of zero-dose children by 43%, from 1.6 million in 2023 to 0.9 million in 2024. These kids, who haven’t even been vaccinated, are a threat to global health equity. 

Important Findings

89% of newborns worldwide received at least one dose of the vaccination that contains diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) in 2024.

• From 1.6 million in 2023 to 0.9 million in 2024, the country’s zero-dose kid population decreased by 43%.
• Youngsters who have not gotten any vaccinations are known as zero-dose youngsters.

India’s Universal Immunization Program (UIP)

Originally known as the Expanded Programme on Immunization, it was introduced in 1978 and changed its name to the UIP in 1985.

• Offers free vaccinations against twelve illnesses:
• Meningitis & Pneumonia, Childhood Tuberculosis, Rubella, Polio, Pertussis, Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Hepatitis B.
• Japanese encephalitis, pneumococcal pneumonia, and rotavirus diarrhea are region-specific (3).
• The UIP has emerged as a key element of India’s public health initiatives under the National Rural Health Mission.  According to this, a child is deemed completely immunized if they have received all of the recommended immunizations during their first year of life.
• India is polio-free (2014), and neonatal tetanus is eradicated (2015).
• Important initiatives include the U-WIN Portal, the Intensified Mission Indradhanush 5.0 (IMI 5.0) program, which focuses on increasing the coverage of vaccinations against measles and rubella.

Mains:

Question: Discuss the role of digital platforms such as the U-WIN portal in strengthening immunization delivery systems in India. How can technology bridge the gap between coverage and access in rural and underserved areas?

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MCQs

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Question: Consider the following statements regarding the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) of India:

1. The UIP was launched in 1985, initially known as the Expanded Programme on Immunization.
2. It provides free immunization against 14 diseases across the country.
3. Under UIP, a child is considered fully immunized only after receiving vaccinations for all diseases before the age of five.
4. It is a key component under the National Rural Health Mission.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. a) 1 and 4 only
2. b) 1, 2 and 3 only
3. c) 1, 2 and 4 only
4. d) 2, 3 and 4 only

Answer: a 

MCQs PYQs

Question: With reference to recent developments regarding ‘Recombinant Vector Vaccines’, consider the following statements (UPSC IAS 2021) 

1. Genetic engineering is applied in the development of these vaccines.
2. Bacteria and viruses are used as vectors.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

(a) 1 only  

(b) 2 only 

(c) Both 1 and 2  

(d) Neither 1 nor 2 

Answer: c

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