Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) in 1974:

  • The year 2024 marks 50 years since the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) in 1974, now known as the Essential Program on Immunization.
  • This program has evolved to provide protection against many vaccine-preventable diseases and has made significant contributions to global health.

ABOUT ESSENTIAL PROGRAM FOR IMMUNISATION

Healthcare In India Immunisation Programs explained for UPSC

UNIVERSAL IMMUNISATION PROGRAM OF INDIA

  • Launched in 1978 as the EPI, India renamed the program as the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) in 1985.
  • 100% Funded by the central government.
  • UIP is one of the key interventions for protection of children from life threatening conditions by providing vaccination.
  • The UIP aims to rapidly increase immunization coverage, improve service quality, establish a reliable cold chain system to health facilities, monitor performance, and achieve self-sufficiency in vaccine production.
  • All pregnant women and children can get vaccinated at government or private health facilities or designated immunization session sites.

DISEASES COVERED

  • Under UIP, free vaccination is provided against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases.
  • 9 diseases are covered nationally:
    • Diphtheria,
    • Pertussis,
    • Tetanus,
    • Polio,
    • Measles,
    • Rubella,
    • Severe Childhood Tuberculosis,
    • Hepatitis B, and
    • Meningitis & Pneumonia caused by Haemophilus Influenza type B.
  • 3 diseases are covered sub-nationally:
    • Rotavirus diarrhea,
    • Pneumococcal Pneumonia, and
    • Japanese Encephalitis.
  • Rotavirus vaccine and Pneumococcal Conjugate vaccine are in expansion, while JE vaccine is only provided in endemic districts.

MISSION INDRADHANUSH

  • Mission Indradhanush (MI) - 2014 Launched in December 2014, Mission Indradhanush is a targeted immunization programme aimed at vaccinating children who are either unvaccinated or partially vaccinated. It focuses on districts with the highest number of missed children.
    • Phases Completed: 4 phases have been completed.
    • Children Vaccinated:94 crore children, with 76.36 lakh fully immunized.
    • Pregnant Women Vaccinated:84 lakh pregnant women were vaccinated against tetanus.
    • Impact: Full immunization coverage increased from 1% to 6.7%
  • Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) - 2017 Launched in October 2017, IMI aimed to increase immunization coverage in districts with low immunization rates.
    • Coverage Areas: 121 districts in 16 States, 52 districts in North Eastern States, and 17 urban areas.
    • Immunization Outcomes: 39.19 lakh children and 8.09 lakh pregnant women vaccinated across 190 districts/urban areas.