• UGI USER
  • Nov 26, 2023
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IS INDIA LAGGING IN MEASLES VACCINATION?

Why in the News ?

  • WHO and CDC report an 18% increase in measles cases and a 43% rise in deaths globally in 2022 compared to 2021.
  • Estimated cases reach nine million, with 1,36,000 deaths, predominantly among children.
Source: Otango daily News

Understanding Measles

  • Measles is a contagious airborne virus causing cough, runny nose, red eyes, fever, and a spreading rash.
  • WHO states measles vaccination prevented 56 million deaths between 2000 and 2021.

Union Health Ministry’s Response

  • Disputes the claim that globally 22 million children, including 1.1 million in India, missed the first measles shot in 2022.
  • India’s Universal Immunization Programme targets nearly 2.67 crore newborns and 2.9 crore pregnant women annually.

Health Ministry’s Clarification

  • Challenges WHO data, asserting that over 2,000 Indian children missed the shot, not the reported figures.
  • WHO data based on estimates, contrasts with India’s reported figures under WHO-UNICEF Estimates Immunization Coverage (WUENIC) 2022.

Measles Vaccination Statistics

  • Out of 2,63,84,580 eligible children, 2,63,63,270 received the first measles vaccine dose in FY 2022-23.
  • 21,310 children missed the first dose in 2022-23, with ongoing catch-up vaccinations.

Ministry’s Stand on Catch-Up Vaccination

  • Rejects WHO-CDC reports as not reflecting the true picture.
  • Catch-up vaccination age increased from 15 months/2 years to 5 years.
  • Assures vaccination for all unvaccinated/partially vaccinated children.

Impact of COVID-19 on Vaccination

  • WHO notes pandemic-related setbacks in global surveillance and immunization efforts.
  • India experienced measles outbreaks in Maharashtra and Kerala, prompting calls for vaccination.

In navigating the measles vaccination landscape, India confronts discrepancies in global reporting and emphasizes its commitment to immunization through targeted programs and catch-up initiatives amid challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.