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Mission Indradhanush 2.0

Why is immunization important?

1. Government of India aims to achieve the highest standards of health and well-being for the nation.

2. Immunisation programme is a critical commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage.

3. It is integral to reduce the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases and achieving universal care for children.

4. They are important in safeguarding the present generation and building a healthier future generation.

5. Expanded Program for Immunisation was launched in 1978 to reduce mortality and mobility among children from vaccine-preventable diseases.

6. Despite steady progress, routine vaccination coverage has been slow.

Which are the factors limiting vaccination coverage?

1. Rapid urbanisation

2. Increasing population

3. Presence of large migrating and isolated populations that are difficult to reach

4. Low demand from underinformed and unaware populations.

5. Difficult geographical terrain.

What is Mission Indradhanush (MI)?

1. It is a health mission of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched in 2014.

2. It aims to achieve 90% Full Immunisation Coverage with a focus towards districts and urban areas with persistently low levels.

3. It aims to ensure full immunization with all available vaccines for children up to 2 years of age and pregnant women.

4. To further intensify the programme, the Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) was started to accelerate progress.

5. IMI aimed to mobilise communities and deal with barriers to seek vaccines.

6. The program is coordinated at various levels including the Cabinet Secretariat, District Magistrate, field workers from health and other departments.

7. IMI has contributed to a significant increase in fully immunized children in 190 selected districts.

8. Significant improvement in the quality of life of several pregnant women and children has been achieved.

How is IMI 2.0 different?

1. It seeks to escalate efforts to achieve the goal of attaining a 90% national immunization coverage across India.

2. Several Ministries including the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Panchayati Raj, etc. will come together for making the mission successful.

3. In addition, various communities, civil societies, NGOs, CSOs, etc. will also be involved in the program.

4. Development partners like WHO, UNICEF, UNDP, etc. shall be supporting the government efforts.

5. It will deliver a program that is informed by the lessons learned from the previous phases.

6. It gives India the opportunity to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal of ending preventable child deaths by 2030.