Why in NEWS
India reduced zero-dose children from 1.6 million (2023) to 0.9 million (2024), aiding South Asia in achieving its highest-ever immunization coverage, as per WHO-UNICEF report.
Key Terms/Concepts
| Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Zero-dose Children | Children who have not received even the first dose of the DTP vaccine. |
| DTP Vaccine | Protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. |
| Mission Indradhanush | India’s flagship immunization programme launched in 2014. |
| Measles-Rubella Champion Award | Global recognition for leadership in immunization. |
News Simplified
- India reduced zero-dose children to 0.9 million in 2024 from 1.6 million in 2023.
- 92% of South Asian infants received all three DTP doses, the highest ever, up 2% from 2023.
- Over 2.9 million children still remain un- or under-vaccinated across South Asia.
- India launched the Zero Dose Implementation Plan 2024 to further reduce these numbers.
- Mission Indradhanush has reached 5.46 crore children and 1.32 crore pregnant women.
- India maintains polio-free status since 2014, celebrated through National Vaccination Day (March 16).
- India was awarded the Measles and Rubella Champion Award in 2024 for outstanding performance.
In a nutshell
Memory Code: Z-DIP
Zero-dose down,
DTP dose up,
Indradhanush expands,
Polio-free progress.
Prelims Questions
- What is the term “zero-dose children” used to describe?
a) Children who missed polio drops
b) Children who were never breastfed
c) Children with no access to schooling
d) Children who haven’t received the first DTP vaccine dose - Which award was conferred on India in 2024 for immunization efforts?
a) Global Health Shield
b) Measles and Rubella Champion Award
c) Universal Vaccine Leadership Prize
d) South Asia Health Excellence Medal - What is the main objective of India’s Mission Indradhanush?
a) Malaria control in tribal regions
b) Immunization of unvaccinated children and pregnant women
c) Promotion of health insurance
d) Eradication of tuberculosis
Prelims Answers & Explanations
| Q No. | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | d | Zero-dose children are those who haven’t received the first dose of DTP. |
| 2 | b | India received the Measles and Rubella Champion Award in 2024. |
| 3 | b | Mission Indradhanush targets children and pregnant women for vaccination. |
