Universal Immunisation Programme overview
India Marches Towards Universal Immunisation: India’s Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP), launched in 1985 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, is one of the world’s largest public health initiatives. It aims to provide equitable access to life-saving vaccines for children and pregnant women.
The programme focuses on increasing immunisation coverage, ensuring a reliable cold chain system, and achieving self-sufficiency in vaccine production. Over time, UIP has expanded significantly in both scale and disease coverage.
Static GK fact: India’s immunisation programme initially covered only six diseases but now protects against 12 life-threatening diseases.
Disease coverage and protection
UIP currently provides vaccines against diseases such as Diphtheria, Polio, Tetanus, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, and Measles-Rubella. These diseases were once major causes of child mortality in India.
The inclusion of newer vaccines reflects India’s evolving healthcare priorities and commitment to reducing preventable deaths. Immunisation remains one of the most cost-effective public health interventions globally.
Static GK Tip: The BCG vaccine is administered at birth to protect against tuberculosis, a disease still prevalent in India.
Mission Indradhanush expansion
To address gaps in coverage, the government launched Mission Indradhanush in 2015. It targets children and pregnant women who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated.
This was followed by Intensified Mission Indradhanush, which focuses on urban slums and remote areas. The mission aims to achieve over 90% full immunisation coverage by strengthening routine services.
The initiative has significantly improved outreach, especially among marginalized and hard-to-reach populations.
Digital backbone of immunisation
India has strengthened its immunisation ecosystem through digital platforms like U-Win and the Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVIN).
U-Win enables citizens to locate vaccination centres, book appointments, and maintain digital vaccination records. Meanwhile, eVIN ensures real-time tracking of vaccine stocks and storage temperatures across the country.
These technologies enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability in vaccine delivery systems.
Static GK fact: Maintaining vaccines between 2°C to 8°C is critical for their effectiveness, making cold chain systems essential.
Achievements and global role
India has achieved major milestones under UIP, including the eradication of smallpox, yaws, maternal and neonatal tetanus, and polio. These achievements highlight the programme’s long-term impact.
Full immunisation coverage has increased from 62% in 2015 to 98.4% in January 2026. Additionally, the proportion of zero-dose children dropped from 0.11% in 2023 to 0.06% in 2024.
India is also the largest vaccine producer globally, supplying nearly 60% of the world’s vaccines, reinforcing its role in global health security.
Way forward
India is steadily progressing towards the goal of “Immunisation for All”. Continued focus on last-mile delivery, digital innovation, and community awareness will be crucial.
Sustaining high coverage and addressing emerging health challenges will ensure long-term success of the programme.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
India Marches Towards Universal Immunisation:
| Topic | Detail |
| Programme Name | Universal Immunisation Programme |
| Launch Year | 1985 |
| Target Groups | Children and pregnant women |
| Disease Coverage | 12 life-threatening diseases |
| Key Initiative | Mission Indradhanush (2015) |
| Digital Platforms | U-Win and eVIN |
| Coverage Increase | 62% (2015) to 98.4% (2026) |
| Zero-Dose Reduction | 0.11% (2023) to 0.06% (2024) |
| Global Role | Supplies about 60% of world vaccines |
