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India’s Vaccination Drive: Zero-dose Children decline Sharply in 2024
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new data reveals a significant victory for India’s public health initiatives: the percentage of “zero-dose” children, those who haven’t received any vaccinations, has nearly halved, dropping from 0.11% in 2023 to just 0.06% in 2024 [[2]]. This achievement underscores the effectiveness of the nation’s Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) and targeted campaigns to reach every child with life-saving vaccines.
Significant Reduction in Zero-Dose Children
The Union Health Ministry attributes this progress to sustained efforts and intensified implementation of vaccination drives across the country. This advancement coincides with a reported infant mortality rate of 80 per lakh live births [[2]].
Did You Know? India’s annual birth cohort of 2.6 crore exceeds the total population of countries like New Zealand, australia, and Switzerland.
India’s Universal Immunization Programme (UIP)
India’s UIP is a cornerstone of its public health strategy, providing a range of vaccines recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).the program has expanded significantly as 2014, introducing six new vaccines, including the Inactivated Polio-virus Vaccine, Rotavirus Vaccine (RVV), and Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV). Currently, the UIP covers 12 vaccine-preventable diseases.
Key Initiatives Driving Success
- Zero Dose Implementation Plan 2024: Targeting 143 districts in 11 states with a high burden of unvaccinated children.
- Mission Indradhanush: Intensified efforts since 201