Government Initiates Campaign for Complete Measles-Rubella Vaccination
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Synopsis
On April 24, Union Health Minister JP Nadda launched the 'National Zero Measles-Rubella Elimination Campaign 2025-26' as part of efforts to eliminate Measles and Rubella by 2026. This initiative aims for 100% immunization coverage for children.
Key Takeaways
- Campaign launch to eliminate MR by 2026.
- Free MR vaccinations for children under UIP.
- Awareness materials released for community engagement.
- 332 districts reported zero measles cases.
- Call for proactive measures and public engagement.
New Delhi, April 24 (NationPress) In a pivotal move towards the mission of eradicating Measles and Rubella (MR) by 2026, Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Thursday launched the ‘National Zero Measles-Rubella Elimination Campaign 2025-26’ virtually on the inaugural day of World Immunization Week.
As part of the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), two doses of the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine are administered free of charge to all eligible children at the ages of 9-12 months and 16-24 months, respectively. Presently, India's MR vaccination coverage is at 93.7 percent for the first dose (2024-25 HMIS data) and 92.2 percent for the second dose.
The Health Minister also unveiled multi-language materials (including posters, radio jingles, and the MR elimination official U-WIN launch film) aimed at fostering community awareness. These resources have been distributed to all states and Union Territories (UTs) for local adaptation and implementation during the MR Elimination Campaign 2025-26.
“Today marks a significant milestone as the launch of the Measles-Rubella elimination campaign 2025-26 provides an opportunity to achieve 100 percent immunization coverage, ensuring a high-quality life for children through the administration of the two doses of the Measles and Rubella vaccine,” Nadda noted during an event.
He emphasized that this highly contagious disease not only affects children's lives but also brings distress to their parents, highlighting the necessity of ensuring that no child is overlooked.
According to the Health Minister, “332 districts in the nation have recorded zero cases of measles, while 487 districts have reported zero rubella cases between January and March 2025, showcasing the progress made towards MR elimination.”
Nadda pointed out the importance of maintaining the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and enhancing surveillance efforts.
“We must approach the elimination of MR as we did with Polio and the elimination of Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus,” he urged, calling on states and UTs to remain vigilant, proactive, and to adopt an ‘ACT NOW’ strategy.
He also encouraged state ministers and chief medical officers to conduct public and press meetings to inform the populace about the vaccination initiative through active Jan Bhagidari.
Additionally, he urged frontline workers to reach out to remote and underserved areas, slums, migratory populations, and regions experiencing frequent outbreaks.
