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India's Leap: Eradicating Diseases, Boosting Health
17 Mar
Summary
- India eradicated smallpox, polio, and maternal neonatal tetanus through vaccinations.
- Universal Immunisation Programme reaches 2.9 crore pregnant women and 2.54 crore newborns.
- Full immunisation coverage has increased to 98.4% as of January 2026.
India's public health journey showcases significant achievements in disease eradication and immunisation. Smallpox was eradicated in 1977, followed by polio and maternal and neonatal tetanus, thanks to comprehensive vaccination drives.
The nation's robust Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) is among the world's largest, providing free healthcare to 2.9 crore pregnant women and 2.54 crore newborns annually.
This extensive program has seen full immunisation coverage climb dramatically, reaching 98.4% in January 2026, a substantial increase from 62% in 2015.
Recent expansions to the UIP include the nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign launched on February 28, 2026, targeting 1.15 crore 14-year-old girls to prevent cervical cancer.
India also introduced the indigenous Td vaccine in 2026 and has progressively added vaccines like IPV, Rotavirus, Measles-Rubella, and Pneumococcal Conjugate vaccines since 2015.
The country boasts one of the world's largest vaccine cold chains, comprising nearly 30,000 points and over 1.06 lakh refrigeration units, ensuring vaccine potency across its vast network.
