Since assuming office in 2014, PM Modi’s government has been at the forefront of championing public health initiatives, focusing on child vaccination. Recognising the critical role immunisation plays in safeguarding the well-being of the nation's children, the government has implemented a series of robust and innovative measures to promote and enhance child vaccination programs. From launching flagship initiatives like Mission Indradhanush to incorporating new vaccines into the Universal Immunization Program, PM Modi’s government has demonstrated a noteworthy commitment to addressing the challenges in immunisation coverage and ensuring the accessibility of life-saving vaccines for every child.
Here are several key initiatives and strategies implemented by PM Modi’s government to promote child vaccination:
● Mission Indradhanush: Launched in December 2014, Mission Indradhanush is a flagship initiative aimed at immunising all children under two years and pregnant women against seven vaccine-preventable diseases, which include diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, polio, tuberculosis, measles, and hepatitis B. The program focuses on high-priority districts with low immunisation coverage to ensure no child is left unvaccinated.
Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI): In 2017, the government launched Intensified Mission Indradhanush to intensify its efforts further. Under IMI, the immunisation drive was conducted in four phases yearly to reach the unreached population, particularly in urban areas and tribal regions. Since 2014, 12 phases of Mission Indradhanush/IMI have been held across the country, and so far, 5.46 crore children and 1.32 crore pregnant women have been vaccinated.
IMI 5.0, conducted in three phases spanning August to October 2023, signified a commendable stride in India's ongoing commitment to public health. As of September 30, 2023, the campaign has successfully administered vaccine doses to an impressive count of over 34,69,705 children and 6,55,480 pregnant women during its initial two rounds nationwide. To ensure seamless execution, comprehensive Operational Guidelines and a robust Communication Strategy were disseminated to all States and Union Territories. The communication approach adopted a 360-degree perspective, incorporating strategies for advocacy, addressing vaccine hesitancy, and engaging local influencers and leaders. Including Routine Immunisation Days within the three rounds has further amplified the reach and impact of the campaign. In a proactive move to connect with diverse communities, the campaign provides various Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials to all States/UTs, adapted for local languages. This strategic localisation aims to effectively circulate critical messages, ensuring that the importance of vaccination is communicated to the masses. A notable feature of IMI 5.0 has been the active involvement of Jan Pratinidhis and Social Media Influencers. Their extensive participation across all States and UTs has played a pivotal role in encouraging the public to visit vaccination centres, emphasising the critical need to administer any missed doses to children and pregnant women within families and communities.
The sustained effort underscores the government's unwavering dedication to ensuring comprehensive immunisation coverage nationwide. IMI 5.0 is a testament to India's proactive and multi-faceted approach towards immunisation, characterised by strategic planning, effective communication, and widespread community engagement. The cumulative success of Mission Indradhanush reflects a transformative journey towards securing the health and well-being of the nation's children and pregnant women.
● Rotavirus Vaccination: PM Modi’s government introduced the Rotavirus vaccine as part of the Universal Immunization Program to protect children from severe diarrhoea caused by the Rotavirus. The vaccine was added to the routine immunisation schedule to ensure that all eligible children were the recipients of it.
● Measles-Rubella (MR) Vaccination Campaign: In 2017, the government initiated a nationwide Measles-rubella vaccination campaign targeting children aged nine months to 15 years. The campaign aims to eliminate measles and control rubella by vaccinating as many children as possible as early as possible.
● Jan Aushadhi Yojana: The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) aims to make quality generic medicines accessible and affordable. This includes vaccines, ensuring that cost is not a barrier for parents seeking to vaccinate their children.
● Digital India Initiatives: Leveraging technology, the government has implemented digital platforms to streamline the vaccination process. The Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVIN) is an example, helping monitor vaccine stocks and temperature and ensuring the efficient supply chain management of vaccines.
● Awareness Campaigns: The government has undertaken various awareness campaigns to educate parents and communities about the importance of child vaccination. These campaigns use different media, including television, radio, print, and social media, to disseminate information about the benefits of vaccines and the immunisation schedule.
● Community Engagement: The government has actively involved community leaders, local influencers, and healthcare workers in spreading awareness about vaccination. The community engagement strategy has been crucial in overcoming cultural and social barriers to immunisation.
Prime Minister Modi's government has initiated diverse strategies in a comprehensive approach to elevating child vaccination in India. At the forefront of these efforts is the Mission Indradhanush program, a flagship initiative that has strategically orchestrated targeted campaigns to address the nuanced challenges in immunisation coverage. The government's commitment is manifested through innovative methodologies, including integrating digital solutions, active community engagement, and a well-crafted communication strategy. The emphasis on expanding accessibility is complemented by a nuanced approach to tackling vaccine hesitancy, acknowledging and addressing community concerns. Concurrently, the government has prioritised optimising data management systems, recognising the pivotal role accurate data plays in informed decision-making and program evaluation. This holistic vision for public health not only accentuates the immediate goals of vaccination coverage but also reflects a deep understanding of the enduring impact immunisation has on the well-being of children. The commitment extends beyond short-term objectives, recognising the broader implications for the health landscape of the entire nation. As Prime Minister Modi's government continues its endeavours, the trajectory towards achieving universal vaccination coverage seems promising. This concerted effort lays a vigorous foundation for a healthier and more resilient India, where the dividends of prioritising child vaccination are anticipated to reverberate across generations.
