National Vaccination Day 2025: A Milestone in India's Immunisation Journey
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Why in News? | National Vaccination Day 2025 is observed on March 16 to highlight the significance of immunisation in public health and commemorate India's success in disease eradication. |
| History of National Vaccination Day | Established in 1995 when India launched the Pulse Polio Immunisation Programme. The first oral polio vaccine was administered on this day. |
| India's Success in Polio Eradication | India was declared polio-free by WHO in 2014 due to successful vaccination drives. The campaign was supported by WHO, UNICEF, and the Government of India. |
| Significance of National Vaccination Day | - Raising Awareness: Educates the public on the importance of vaccines. - Honoring Healthcare Workers: Recognizes their role in immunisation. - Encouraging Community Participation: Promotes vaccine acceptance and coverage. |
| Impact of Vaccination in India | - Polio Eradication: India eliminated polio in 2014. - Reduced Disease Incidence: Measles, tetanus, diphtheria, and hepatitis cases have significantly decreased. - Strengthened Healthcare Infrastructure: Improved vaccine distribution, cold chain facilities, and healthcare worker training. |
| Key Vaccination Initiatives | - Mission Indradhanush (2014): Aims for 90% full immunisation coverage. - Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP): Provides free vaccines against 12 diseases. - COVID-19 Vaccination Drive: India's successful large-scale vaccination campaign. |
| Challenges in Immunisation | - Vaccine Hesitancy: Misinformation leads to reluctance in some communities. - Accessibility Issues: Remote areas face difficulties in vaccine delivery. - Missed Booster Doses: Need for better tracking of follow-up vaccinations. |