Vaccine-Preventable Diseases

Syllabus: Health

Source:  TH

Context: Global health bodies — WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi — have issued a warning about the rise in vaccine-preventable diseases due to missed immunisation schedules, misinformation, and funding cuts.

About Vaccine-Preventable Diseases:

Key Data on Rise of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPDs):

• 14.5 million children missed all routine vaccines in 2023 (Source: WHO-UNICEF).
• Over 50% of WHO-monitored countries reported moderate to severe disruptions in immunisation services (2024).
• Measles cases in the U.S. (2025): 935 cases as of May, more than triple compared to total cases in 2024
• Polio resurgence in several African countries due to delayed vaccination (GPEI, 2023)
• UNICEF: Global vaccine delays are threatening 15 million children in fragile/conflict-hit regions

What is Vaccination?

• Vaccination is the process of introducing a weakened or inactive pathogen into the body to stimulate the immune system.
• It trains the immune system to recognize and combat harmful diseases without causing illness.

Importance of Vaccination Globally:

• Saves Lives: Vaccines save 4.2 million lives annually, preventing 14 major diseases.

E.g. Measles vaccine alone accounts for 60% of lives saved globally.

• Boosts Infant Survival: Vaccination has contributed to 40% improvement in child survival rates since 1974.
• High Return on Investment: WHO estimates a $54 return for every $1 spent on vaccines.
• Prevents Disease Outbreaks: Countries with high vaccine coverage face lower mortality rates and healthcare burden.
• Builds Herd Immunity: Protects vulnerable populations unable to be vaccinated, including infants and immunocompromised individuals.

Challenges to Global Vaccination Efforts:

• Pandemic Disruptions: COVID-19 delayed routine immunisations; 14.5 million children missed vaccines in 2023.
• Funding Shortfalls: Reduced global health budgets threaten continuity of programs like Gavi and COVAX.
• Misinformation & Hesitancy: Myths and anti-vaccine campaigns, especially on social media, decrease acceptance.

E.g. Measles cases tripled in the U.S. in 2025.

• Conflict & Fragility: Insecurity in regions like Africa, Middle East, South Asia hinders vaccine outreach.
• Supply Chain Gaps: Weak cold-chain infrastructure in rural and low-income areas delays vaccine delivery.

Vaccination Status in India:

• Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP): Largest public health programme, targets 26 million children and 34 million pregnant women annually.
• Progress Achieved:

• India declared polio-free in 2014
• Eliminated maternal and neonatal tetanus in 2015
• Introduced vaccines like Measles-Rubella, PCV, RVV under UIP

• Coverage Data:

• 1% full immunisation coverage (NFHS-5, 2019–21)
• 1 in 4 children still misses essential vaccines

• Mission Indradhanush (2014): Targets unvaccinated and partially vaccinated children and pregnant women in underserved areas.

Way Forward:

• Strengthen Primary Healthcare: Improve delivery systems and cold chains at grassroots level.
• Tackle Misinformation: Use AI tools, community outreach, and education campaigns to combat vaccine myths.
• Ensure Political Commitment: Immunisation needs sustained funding and policy attention at all governance levels.
• Promote Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborate with NGOs, civil society, and tech platforms for outreach.
• Support Global Frameworks: Countries must commit to Immunisation Agenda 2030 and support Gavi’s $9 billion pledge to protect 500 million children.

Conclusion:

Vaccination is one of the most cost-effective health interventions in human history. Despite progress, rising vaccine-preventable diseases call for renewed global efforts. India must strengthen routine immunisation, address hesitancy, and scale outreach to protect every child.

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