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National Immunisation Day: A commitment to a healthy future

January 18
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National Immunisation Day (NID) is observed in India every year on January 18. It is a day dedicated to promoting awareness about immunisation and its critical role in protecting children and adults from life-threatening diseases. This initiative is a cornerstone of India's public health strategy, aimed at eradicating preventable diseases through widespread vaccination campaigns.

The primary focus of NID is to eliminate diseases such as polio, measles, rubella and other vaccine-preventable illnesses that significantly impact public health. By providing free vaccines to millions, the government ensures equitable access to healthcare services, particularly for marginalised and underserved communities.

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The day is part of the Universal Immunisation Programme, launched in 1985, which is one of the largest vaccination programmes globally. It seeks to vaccinate all children under the age of five and pregnant women against preventable diseases. Over the years, the NID has played a pivotal role in raising awareness and boosting immunisation coverage in the country.

One of the most notable achievements of the NID has been India's successful battle against polio. Once a major public health challenge, India was declared polio-free by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2014. This remarkable accomplishment was made possible through massive immunisation drives, including the Pulse Polio Programme, which involved millions of healthcare workers and volunteers administering oral polio vaccines across the nation.

The immunisation campaigns not only focused on urban areas but also reached the remotest villages and underserved regions. The success of the polio eradication effort is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the government, healthcare workers, international organisations and local communities.

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While India has made tremendous progress in immunisation, challenges remain. Vaccine hesitancy, misinformation and logistical issues in remote and rural areas continue to hinder full immunisation coverage. Additionally, the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted routine immunisation services, leading to gaps that need to be addressed promptly.

The government has intensified its efforts to strengthen the immunisation drive. Campaigns like Mission Indradhanush aim to achieve 90% immunisation coverage by targeting missed and drop-out children. National Immunisation Day serves as a reminder to bridge these gaps and ensure that every child receives life-saving vaccines.

Public participation is crucial in the success of immunisation programmes. Awareness campaigns conducted on National Immunisation Day emphasise the importance of timely vaccination, address myths and misconceptions and encourage parents to vaccinate their children. Community engagement, door-to-door campaigns and partnerships with NGOs and healthcare organisations play a vital role in reaching every corner of the country.

National Immunisation Day on January 18 is more than just a calendar event; it is a call to action to safeguard future generations from preventable diseases. It highlights the collective responsibility of individuals, communities and governments to promote immunisation and ensure a healthier, disease-free future. As India continues its journey towards achieving universal immunisation, the observance of this day reinforces the nation's commitment to public health and well-being.

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