Latest news with #WorldImmunisationWeek2025
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Business Standard
30-04-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Odisha backs national target to eliminate Measles-Rubella by 2026: Minister
In a significant step towards strengthening public health and safeguarding future generations, Odisha's Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling has launched a comprehensive set of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials aimed at accelerating the Measles and Rubella (MR) elimination programme in the state. The launch was held at the Directorate of Public Health as part of the celebrations for World Immunisation Week 2025, observed globally from April 24-30 under the theme: "Immunisation for all is humanly possible." Speaking at the event on Tuesday, Mahaling reaffirmed Odisha's commitment to eliminating Measles and Rubella by the year 2026 -- in alignment with India's national target. Highlighting Odisha's "outstanding performance" in child healthcare, Mahaling proudly shared that the State has achieved a remarkable 90.5 per cent full immunisation coverage, the highest among all Indian states, according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5). This milestone is a testament to the dedication of healthcare workers, community support, and strong inter-departmental coordination, he said. "Immunising children and pregnant women remains our topmost priority," said Mahaling. "It is the most cost-effective and life-saving public health intervention. Together, we must ensure no child is left behind," he added. The Minister emphasised that the success of the MR elimination mission depends on a collaborative approach involving multiple government departments such as Health & Family Welfare, Women & Child Development, School & Mass Education, ST & SC Development, Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water, Housing & Urban Development, and Information & Public Relations. Their joint efforts are being strengthened at the state, district, and block levels. He further appealed for the active participation of parents, caregivers, Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, PRI members, community leaders, NGOS, SHGS, and civil society to create a grassroots movement for immunisation awareness and action. Let us unite as one community, he urged, to make Odisha a Measles-Rubella free state -- a shining model of public health excellence for the entire nation. The event also paid tribute to India's immunisation triumphs, including the eradication of smallpox in 1977, the country's Polio-free status since 2014, and the elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus in 2015. Director of Public Health Dr Nilakantha Mishra, State Immunisation Officer Dr. Tapas Kumar Patra, and Binod Bihari Das, Private Secretary to the Health Minister, along with senior officers from the Department of Health and Family Welfare, were present at the launching ceremony.
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Business Standard
24-04-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
World Immunisation Week 2025: Vaccines save 6 lives a minute, says WHO
World Immunisation Week 2025: WHO's global health campaign reaffirms the power of vaccines in protecting lives and communities; here's all you need to know New Delhi World Immunisation Week 2025 is being observed from April 24 to April 30 with the theme 'Immunisation for all is humanly possible'. This annual campaign, led by the World Health Organization (WHO), aims to raise awareness about the importance of vaccines and ensure equitable access to immunisation services for everyone, everywhere. "Immunisation is one of humanity's greatest achievements. Over the last 50 years, essential vaccines have saved at least 154 million lives. That's six lives a minute, every day, for five decades," says WHO. According to WHO, by investing in immunisation, governments can prevent devastating outbreaks and reduce the long-term burden on healthcare systems and economies. "Every dollar invested in vaccines generates a return of up to US$ 44 in economic benefits," the organisation adds. What is World Immunisation Week and why is it observed? World Immunisation Week is a global health initiative observed in the last week of April to promote vaccine awareness and disease prevention. It encourages the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages and prevent outbreaks of infectious diseases. Who organises World Immunisation Week? The campaign is led by WHO in collaboration with national governments, health professionals, civil society organisations, and global partners. It is part of WHO's wider goal to promote universal health coverage and build stronger healthcare systems worldwide. Why vaccination matters: Impact of immunisation on global health Vaccination has helped eradicate smallpox, nearly eliminate polio, and control diseases like measles, hepatitis B, and diphtheria. However, challenges such as vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and access barriers remain in many parts of the world, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In 2025, WHO is underscoring that full vaccine coverage is an achievable goal—with proper infrastructure, political will, and public cooperation. Focus for 2025: Vaccine equity and post-pandemic catch-up This year's theme focuses on ensuring vaccine equity across geographies and social groups. The campaign prioritises reaching people in remote, underserved, and conflict-affected areas. WHO also calls for catch-up drives to compensate for immunisation delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The campaign aims to: Promote the role of immunisation in enabling longer, healthier lives Encourage national and local governments to transform vaccine access into actual coverage by strengthening delivery systems What individuals can do to support immunisation Stay informed about vaccination schedules: Make sure you and your family receive all age-appropriate vaccines Promote accurate vaccine information: Counter misinformation by sharing science-backed content Support awareness efforts: Participate in World Immunisation Week activities and mobilise your community How health professionals can boost vaccine coverage Healthcare workers are encouraged to use every patient interaction to check vaccination status, provide updates, and educate families. Their role is crucial in building vaccine trust and boosting coverage in under-immunised areas.
