New Delhi || 10-11-2024 Vaccines play vital role in preventing infectious diseases and protecting public health. Immunization is one of the most effective and cost-efficient intervention for controlling and eradicating diseases, saving millions of lives globally each year. That is why every year World Immunization is observed on 10 November.
Vaccines help protect individuals from diseases like measles, polio, tuberculosis, and COVID-19. By reducing the incidence of infectious diseases, immunization not only safeguards individuals but also strengthens community health by building herd immunity.
World Immunization Day encourages governments, healthcare providers, and communities worldwide to emphasize the importance of vaccines and extend immunization coverage, especially to underserved populations.
In Country like India, World Immunization Day is particularly significant due to the unique challenges the country faces in reaching remote to remotest areas. Further, children, in particular, remain at significant risk because they are either in-immunized or partially immunized against vaccine-preventable diseases. These children are most susceptible to childhood diseases and are at a much higher risk of dying as compared to fully immunized children.
Immunization has been a central focus in India’s public health strategy for decades, leading to remarkable progress in reducing disease prevalence and child mortality rates.
World Immunization Day thus serves as an opportunity to reaffirm India’s commitment to achieving universal immunization and to reflect on the progress made through landmark initiatives, including the Universal Immunization Programme(UPI) and Mission Indradhanush. This day also highlights the need for continued efforts to ensure every individual has access to life-saving vaccines.
