India’s percentage of Zero-dose children declines; positioned as global exemplar in child health

Due to sustained efforts and intensified implementation of vaccination drives and campaign across the country, the percentage of Zero-dose children to the total population has declined from 0.11% in 2023 to 0.06% in 2024. The achievements have positioned India as a global exemplar in child health, as acknowledged by the UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) in its 2024 report.

The effect of the increased number of lifesaving vaccines in reducing Mortality and morbidity in children due to diarrhoea, pneumonia, meningitis & encephalitis is also clearly observable.

As per the latest SRS (2020-22), Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) of India has declined from 130/lakh live births in 2014-16 to 88/lakh live births in 2020-22. 

As per the United Nations Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (UN-MMEIG 2000-2023) report, the MMR of India stands at 80 per lakh live births, reflecting an 86% decline relative to the global reduction of 48% since 1990.

As per the United Nations Inter-Agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UNIGME 2024 Report), India achieved a 78% decline in the Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR) surpassing the global reduction of 61% and 70% decline in the Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) compared to 54% globally during 1990 - 2023.

Key Highlights

India’s Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) embodies a comprehensive range of vaccines recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). 

Till 2013, there were only 6 available vaccines in the program. From 2014, six new vaccines (namely Inactivated Polio-virus Vaccine, Rotavirus Vaccine (RVV), Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV), Measles-Rubella Vaccine, Adult Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine and Tetanus-Diphtheria Vaccine) have been introduced in the programme. 

Currently, India’s UIP covers 12 vaccine-preventable diseases and has seen significant expansion.

The Government of India in consultation with all States/UTs, has launched targeted campaigns to address challenges among zero-dose children, particularly in urban slums, peri-urban areas, migratory populations, hard-to-reach regions, and communities affected by vaccine hesitancy. These efforts are also aligned with the National goal of eliminating Measles and Rubella.

Key Initiatives

Zero Dose Implementation Plan 2024: Rolled out across 143 districts in 11 states with a high burden of unvaccinated children.

Mission Indradhanush (Since 2014): Intensified in 2017 in collaboration with state governments, it has vaccinated 5.46 crore children and 1.32 crore pregnant women previously unreached or under-vaccinated.

Pulse Polio Campaigns: Through National Immunization Days (NIDs) and Sub-National Immunization Days (SNIDs), India has maintained polio-free status since 2014.

Village Health and Nutrition Days (VHNDs): Organized regularly for immunization and outreach activities at the community level.

Multi-tiered Task Forces: State (STFI), District (DTFI), and Block (BTFI) level task forces ensure coordinated and effective implementation.

Regular IEC (Information, Education, Communication) Campaigns: Help increase awareness and combat vaccine hesitancy.