India Defends Immunization Success Amid Flawed Global Comparisons

Union Health Minister J P Nadda highlighted India's successful immunization coverage, rebutting flawed comparisons in the 2023 WHO/UNICEF report. With over 90% coverage for most vaccines and significant drops in zero-dose children, India's efforts, including Mission Indradhanush, ensure extensive vaccination across the nation.

New Delhi, Aug 9 (PTI) – Union Health Minister J P Nadda has refuted the flawed comparisons presented in the 2023 WHO/UNICEF report on national immunization coverage, stressing India's unique challenges and high vaccination rates.

Nadda pointed out that the report failed to consider India's vast population and impressive vaccination achievements. For instance, unvaccinated children make up just 0.11% of the population. Since 2013, the dropout rate from the DTP-1 to DTP-3 vaccine series dropped from 7% to 2%, while measles vaccine coverage increased from 83% to 93%.

Despite the immense population, India has maintained over 90% coverage for key vaccines, surpassing the global average. The vaccination campaign includes programs like Mission Indradhanush, which has significantly reduced the number of zero-dose children and contributed to maintaining a polio-free status since 2014. Coordinated efforts at multiple administrative levels and dedicated campaigns ensure that India leads globally in public health immunization initiatives.