India Launches Campaign to Eradicate Measles-Rubella by 2026

India Launches Campaign to Eradicate Measles-Rubella by 2026

Why in the News ?

India has unveiled its National Zero Measles-Rubella Elimination Campaign 2025–26 amid World Immunization Week, aiming for countrywide two-dose vaccine coverage. Health Minister J P Nadda emphasized zero-case districts and urged stakeholder participation to achieve elimination of both diseases by 2026.

India Launches Campaign to Eradicate Measles-Rubella by 2026

Highlights of the Campaign :

  • The National Zero Measles-Rubella Elimination Campaign 2025–26 was launched virtually on April 24, coinciding with World Immunization Week.
  • Health Minister J P Nadda set the objective of 100% immunization, administering two free MR doses to every eligible child.
  • India’s target is elimination of Measles and Rubella by 2026, reinforcing its commitment under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP).

Implementation Strategy

  • Two-dose schedule under UIP: first at 9–12 months, second at 16–24 months, free of cost.
  • Jan Bhagidari drives: States to hold public and press meetings; MPs, MLAs, Panchayat heads to lead grassroots outreach.
  • Micro-planning: Mapping high-risk pockets and executing door-to-door and school-based vaccination campaigns.
  • Monitoring & Safety: Dedicated digital tracking of coverage and adverse events following immunization (AEFIs), plus a 24/7 helpline.
  • District task forces: Monthly reviews of immunization data to identify gaps and deploy rapid-response teams.

Progress & Disease Profile

  • 332 districts reported zero Measles cases, and 487 districts reported zero Rubella cases from January to March 2025.
  • In 2024, India achieved a 73% reduction in Measles and a 17% decline in Rubella cases versus 2023.
  • Measles and Rubella—highly contagious viruses—cause severe illness, lifelong complications, and can be fatal without vaccination.
  • The two-dose MR vaccine confers lasting herd immunity, critical in breaking transmission chains.
  • Ongoing surveillance, strengthened laboratory networks, and community health worker training will sustain elimination efforts.