Universal Immunisation Programme

Universal Immunisation Programme
Name	Universal Immunisation Programme
Country	India
Launched	1985
Ministry	Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Diseases	Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, Tuberculosis, Measles, Hepatitis B, Rotavirus, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Pneumococcal disease, Japanese encephalitis

Universal Immunisation Programme is a national public health initiative launched to provide free vaccination against major vaccine-preventable diseases to eligible populations. It coordinates between Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Directorate General of Health Services, World Health Organization, United Nations Children's Fund, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and state-level health departments to achieve high immunisation coverage. The programme aligns with international commitments such as the Global Vaccine Action Plan and the goals set by the Sustainable Development Goals.

History

The programme was introduced in 1985 under the aegis of the Government of India building on earlier efforts like the Expanded Programme on Immunization and informed by experiences from the Smallpox eradication programme and the Polio eradication initiative. Early phases targeted antigens used in the Diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus schedule and the Bacillus Calmette–Guérin campaign against tuberculosis. Major milestones include integration of the Hepatitis B vaccine in 2007, introduction of Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine under state pilots, and nationwide rollouts coordinated with the National Health Mission and campaigns such as the Mission Indradhanush and Intensified Mission Indradhanush. International partnerships with Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, PATH, CDC, and European Commission influenced policy, procurement, and cold chain expansion.

Objectives and Policy Framework

The programme's objectives mirror targets from World Health Assembly resolutions and the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation frameworks: reduce morbidity and mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases, achieve and maintain universal coverage, and strengthen surveillance systems like the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme. Policy instruments include the National Immunization Schedule, standard treatment guidelines endorsed by Indian Council of Medical Research, and procurement frameworks influenced by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority and international procurement norms. Coordination mechanisms engage Ministry of Finance, state health departments, and development partners such as United Nations Development Programme and World Bank for financing and technical support.

Vaccine Schedule and Components

The schedule incorporates primary series and boosters for antigens including DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus), Oral Polio Vaccine, Inactivated Polio Vaccine, BCG vaccine, Measles–Rubella vaccine, Hepatitis B vaccine, Rotavirus vaccine, Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine, and Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. Schedules reference immunisation practices from agencies like Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices while adapting to national epidemiology from surveillance by the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme and state surveillance units. Delivery intervals mirror recommendations from the World Health Organization Strategic Advisory Group of Experts.

Implementation and Delivery Mechanisms

Delivery relies on primary healthcare infrastructure including Primary Health Centres, Community Health Centres, Sub-Centres, and outreach through Accredited Social Health Activist networks and urban Municipal Corporation clinics. Cold chain logistics are managed by partners such as United Nations Children's Fund along with indigenous manufacturers like Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech. Digital platforms including the Co-WIN platform and state immunisation registries support registration and tracking, integrating data with systems used by National Health Stack initiatives. Mass campaigns coordinate with entities such as the Election Commission of India for mobilization in remote districts.

Coverage, Impact, and Surveillance

Progress is measured via nationwide surveys including the National Family Health Survey, the District Level Household and Facility Survey, and administrative reporting consolidated by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Impact is evident in reductions of polio incidence leading to a verified polio-free status, declines in measles mortality tracked by Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, and programmatic outcomes assessed by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and WHO South-East Asia Regional Office. Surveillance systems integrate laboratory networks, sample referral supported by Indian Council of Medical Research laboratories and regional public health institutes such as the National Institute of Virology.

Challenges and Innovations

Challenges include supply-chain constraints addressed through partnerships with National Cold Chain Programme, vaccine hesitancy countered by community engagement influenced by UNICEF and civil society organisations, and disparity in coverage between states and union territories highlighted in reports by the NITI Aayog and Planning Commission archives. Innovations encompass thermostable vaccine trials supported by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, mobile outreach using Common Service Centres, integration with maternal and child health services promoted by the Janani Suraksha Yojana, and research collaborations with academic institutions such as All India Institute of Medical Sciences and Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research.

Governance and Financing

Governance structures include policy oversight by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and execution through state health directorates, advised by technical bodies such as the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation. Financing combines central allocations from the Union Budget of India, state contributions, and donor support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, World Bank, and philanthropic partners including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Procurement frameworks interface with manufacturers like Serum Institute of India and regulatory oversight from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization to ensure quality and supply security.

Category:Health programmes in India