Immunization for children in India is paramount, shielding them from life-threatening diseases. Vaccines, like polio and measles, not only save lives but also prevent the spread of contagious illnesses. In a nation with a substantial pediatric population, immunization is a cornerstone of public health, fostering a healthier future. By ensuring timely vaccinations, India can significantly reduce child morbidity and mortality rates, addressing key health challenges. Acknowledging this, the Indian government launched “Mission Indradhanush” to achieve full immigration in India. In this article, we are going to talk about the “Mission Indradhanush” in detail. We will also learn about all the achievements and progress so far in this journey.
What is Mission Indradhanush?
Mission Indradhanush is a Universal Immunization program that was launched by the government of India on December 25, 2014, to increase the immunization coverage in children from 65% in 2014 to 90% in 2020. It was launched by Prime Minister Modi to achieve full immunization in India for a child up to 2 years and for pregnant women. India faces 5 lakh child deaths every year due to preventable diseases. This mission was launched to cater to those children who are unimmunized and are prone to disease.
Universal Immunization Program or UIP was first launched in 1985 to provide vaccination so that death that happens due to lack of vaccination can be prevented. It was launched to provide vaccination against 12 preventable diseases. This was later in 2014 was relaunched as Mission Indradhanush to increase the immunization speed from 1% to 7% annually. Currently, the drive is going on to tackle 08 diseases such as tuberculosis, meningitis, measles, hepatitis B, tetanus, whopping cold, poliomyelitis, and diphtheria are included in the immunization drive. There are some places where the program will also offer immunizations for the Japanese encephalitis vaccine and the Haemophilus influenza vaccine.
The agencies and partners involved with MoHFW in this scheme are WHO, UNICED, UNDP, ITSU, and JSI.
| Mission Indradhanush Key Highlights | |
| Mission Indradhanush Launch date | December 25, 2014 |
| Mission Indradhanush Official Website | MI Official Website |
| Mission Indradhanush Objective | To achieve full immunization in India for a child up to 5 years and for pregnant women |
| Mission Indradhanush Under which Ministry | Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), |
| Mission Indradhanush Number of Vccanines covered | 08 |
| Intensified Mission Indradhanush 2.0 launch date | December 02, 2019 |
| Intensified Mission Indradhanush 3.0 launch date | February 2020 |
| Intensified Mission Indradhanush 4.0 launch date | February 07, 2022 |
| Mission Indradhanush 5.0 Launch Date | July 19, 2023 |
Mission Indradhanush In News | Intensified Mission Indradhanush 5.0
Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI 5.0), the primary routine immunization initiative led by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, concluded its three rounds on October 14, 2023. The campaign is designed to ensure that routine immunization services effectively reach children and pregnant women who may have previously missed out or dropped out across the entire country. Notably, IMI 5.0, for the first time, covers all districts nationwide and extends its scope to include children up to 5 years of age, a significant expansion from previous campaigns that focused on children up to 2 years of age.
The overarching goal of IMI 5.0 is to boost immunization coverage for all vaccines provided under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), adhering to the National Immunization Schedule (NIS). There is a particular emphasis on improving the coverage of Measles and Rubella vaccinations, with the ambitious aim of eliminating Measles and Rubella by 2023. The campaign also integrates the use of the U-WIN digital platform for Routine Immunization in pilot mode, spanning all districts in the country.
Conducted in three rounds, namely from August 7-12, September 11-16, and October 9-14, 2023, the campaign dedicates six days per month, incorporating a designated Routine Immunization Day. All states and union territories, except Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Punjab, are anticipated to complete all three rounds of IMI 5.0 by October 14, 2023.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, these four states were unable to initiate the campaign in August but have completed the first round and are currently in the process of conducting the second round. They plan to execute the third round of the IMI 5.0 campaign in November 2023.
As of September 30, 2023, the IMI 5.0 campaign has already made a significant impact, with over 34,69,705 children and 6,55,480 pregnant women receiving vaccine doses during the initial two rounds across the country.
Between July 19th and 23rd, 2023, the National Monitors conducted a thorough Preparedness Assessment for IMI 5.0.
This assessment covered 154 High-priority districts in 27 States/UTs, providing valuable insights.
The communication strategy adopted a 360-degree approach, incorporating advocacy, addressing vaccine hesitancy, and engaging local influencers and leaders. Diverse Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials were distributed to all States/UTs, tailored for adaptation in local languages to effectively convey key messages to the masses.
The active participation of Jan pratinidhis and Social Media Influencers has been notable across all States/UTs, urging the public to visit the nearest vaccination centers and ensure that any missed doses for children and pregnant women in their families and communities are addressed.
Since its inception in 2014, Mission Indradhanush has completed 11 phases nationwide, with the ongoing 12th phase. Cumulatively, as of now, 5.06 crore children and 1.25 crore pregnant women have been vaccinated under the campaign, showcasing its significant impact and reach.
Intensified Mission Indradhanish 4.0 in News
On February 07, 2022, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched Intensified Mission Indradhanish 4.0. IMI 4.0 was launched to ensure routine immunization services reach unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children and pregnant women. During COVID-19, the drive took a back seat and the pace at which it was going got slow. IMI 4.0 was launched to increase the speed of the mission and fill the gaps that were there in IMI 3.0. Children up to 2 years old will be covered in this drive.
Please Note: The IMI 4.0 drive was conducted in three rounds. A total of 416 districts will be covered, including 75 districts identified for Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav all across India.
What was the need for Mission Indradhanush when there was a Universal Immunization drive in progress?
- Immunization as a fundamental right: Vaccination is a crucial aspect of child healthcare, as it protects against debilitating diseases and saves lives. Every child has the right to access immunization services.
- Bridging the immunization gap: Despite the significant progress made in India’s immunization coverage over the years, there are still pockets where children and pregnant women lack access to essential vaccines.
- The burden of vaccine-preventable diseases: Diseases like polio, measles, rubella, pertussis, and tetanus continue to pose a threat to public health. Mission Indradhanush aims to tackle these diseases and reduce their impact on society.
Objectives of Mission Indradhanush
The main objective of the government with the launch of Mission Indradhanush is as fellows
- To ensure that every non-vaccinated and partially immunized child is fully immunized.
- To ensure that through advocacy with key stakeholders, there is an increase in political, administrative, and financial commitment.
The strategy of Implementation of Mission Indradhanush
Mission Indradhanush vaccination campaign goes on for seven days. Please note that the regular immunization plan for that week is precluded in the seven days. Mission Indradhanush sessions must be held in all designated regions that need routine immunization enhancement.
In these 07 days, all workers who are going to vaccinate children in the district should visit and cover the areas for optimum vaccination coverage. It was done in five phases. Let’s talk about them in detail.
Mission Indradhanush Phase 1
Phase 1 of Mission Indrdhaunsh commenced on April 7, 2015. 201 high-focus districts were covered.
- An isolation drive for four consecutive months took place.
- Over 75 lakh children were immunized during phase 1, (20 lakh received the maximum dose).
- About 20 lakh pregnant women received the tetanus toxoid vaccination.
Mission Indra Dhanush Phase 2
Mission Indra dhanush Phase 2 was commenced in October 2015.
- In Phase 2 of Mission Indradhanish, 352 districts were covered nationwide.
- Of these 352 districts, 279 had a decent focus, and the remaining 73 districts had a major focus on phase 1.
- This phase was carried out in four special drives that lasted a full week as a part of mission Indra Dhanush Phase 2.
Mission Indradhanush Phase 3
Mission Indradhanish Phase 3 began on April 7, 2016. In the third phase of Mission Indradhanush, 216 districts were covered.
- From April- July 2016, 4 rounds of enhanced immunization were carried out for a total of 7 days in each of these districts.
- Apart from focusing on children under 2 years of age, five-year-olds were also prioritized for immunization.
- Improved DPT booster coverage was provided.
- Tetanus toxoid injections to expectant mothers were also given.
Mission Indradhanush Phase 4
- Phase 4 of Mission Indradhanush, which started on February 07, 2017, covered northeastern states.
- The states that were covered in this phase were Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura
Result of Mission Indra Dhanush
The aim to start mission Indra Dhanush was to increase the immunization coverage from 65% in 2014 to 90% in 2020. However, with extreme dedication and swift work, the same has been achieved in 2018 only.
Intensified Mission Indra Dhanush
- As the target of Mission Indradhanush was achieved way before the deadline, the government started Intensified Mission Indradhanush to accelerate the work even further.
- Intensified Mission Indradhanush was launched on October 08, 2017, to achieve 90% coverage of complete immunization.
- By using an additional strategy, Intensified Mission Indradhanish planned to reach the high-risk demographic, particularly in the underperforming regions.
- More emphasis will be placed on underprivileged regions, populations, and more importantly tribal populations. This drive also emphasizes the regions that have been left in Mission Indradhanush.
- As a part of intensified Mission Indradhanush, a seven-day vaccination drive was held every month in 173 districts, and 17 cities between October 2017 – January 2018.
Intensified Mission Indradhanush 2.0
- The Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) 2.0 was launched on December 2, 2019.
- It was launched as a successor to the intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) to advance the immunization campaign in India.
- This mission aimed to cover all infants under the age of two, It also covered pregnant mothers who were left in the government’s regular vaccination programs.
- The main aim of this mission was to make sure that no child contracts an illness that can be prevented by vaccination.
Intensified Mission Indradhanush 3.0
- Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) 3.0 was launched in February 2020.
- It was launched to increase the coverage of the national immunization program.
- The goal of IMI 3.0 was to reach the people who were unreachable for immunization.
- IMI3.0 offered all the available vaccines under the Universal Immunization Programme to all children under two years of age and expecting mothers.
Intensified Mission Indradhanush 4.0
- On February 07, 2022, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched Intensified Mission Indradhanish 4.0.
- IMI 4.0 was launched to ensure routine immunization services reach unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children and pregnant women.
- During COVID-19, the drive took a back seat and the pace at which it was going got slow. IMI 4.0 was launched to increase the speed of the mission and fill the gaps that were there in IMI 3.0. Children up to 2 years old will be covered in this drive.
Please Note: The IMI 4.0 drive will be conducted in three rounds. A total of 416 districts will be covered, including 75 districts identified for Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav all across India.
Intensified Mission Indradhanush 5.0
- The Intensified Mission Indradhunsh 5.0 was launched on July 19, 2023.
- This time, the immunization took place for children up to 5 years of age instead of 2 years.
- Under IMI 5.0, the drive took place in the states and places which was left in the previous campaign or IMI 4.0.
- There is a particular emphasis on improving the coverage of Measles and Rubella vaccinations, with the ambitious aim of eliminating Measles and Rubella by 2023.
- Conducted in three rounds, namely from August 7-12, September 11-16, and October 9-14, 2023, the campaign dedicates six days per month, incorporating a designated Routine Immunization Day.
- All states and union territories, except Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Punjab, are anticipated to complete all three rounds of IMI 5.0 by October 14, 2023.
Conclusion
Mission Indradhanush has emerged as a game-changer in India’s public health landscape, striving to provide universal immunization coverage to every child and pregnant woman. Through its comprehensive strategies and focused efforts, the program has significantly improved immunization rates, reduced the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases, and addressed equity gaps. However, sustained commitment, collaboration, and continued innovation are necessary to overcome the challenges and ensure that the mission’s goals are achieved, ultimately safeguarding the health and well-being of future generations.
References
Mission Indradhanush FAQs
What is Mission Indradhanush related to?
This is a very common question asked by many. Mission Indradhanush is a Universal Immunization program that the government of India launched on December 25, 2014, to increase immunization coverage in children from 65% in 2014 to 90% in 2020.
Which diseases are targeted under Mission Indradhanush?
Mission Indradhanush focuses on immunizing children and pregnant women against seven vaccine-preventable diseases: diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, polio, tuberculosis, measles, and hepatitis B.
What are the key objectives of Mission Indradhanush?
Mission Indradhanush has several crucial objectives, including:
Increasing immunization coverage in select districts and cities.
Ensuring full immunization of children under the age of two years and pregnant women.
Providing vaccination services to underserved and hard-to-reach areas.
Introducing new and underutilized vaccines to the national immunization program.
Who is eligible to receive vaccinations under Mission Indradhanush?
Children under the age of two years and pregnant women are eligible to receive vaccinations under Mission Indradhanush. The mission particularly targets those who have previously missed out on routine immunization.
When was Mission Indradhanush launched?
Mission Indradhanush was launched on December 25, 2014, by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
