Giving a digital boost to universal immunisation

On Thursdays in Rojana, Madhya Pradesh, mothers, cradling their infants, share a common mission: "Sui lagwane jaana hai" (we have to go for vaccination). On that day, health centers conduct vaccination drives to protect children against preventable diseases. Even in remote villages, parents now understand that vaccines are their children's shield against 12 preventable diseases—illnesses that could devastate families both emotionally and financially. This hasn't happened by chance. It is the result of sustained investment in homegrown digital technologies that empower health care workers and bring life-saving vaccines to the farthest corners of the country.

- Angela Lusigi

A decade ago, India's vaccination coverage was at around 65%, leaving millions of children vulnerable to diseases like measles, polio, and diphtheria. To address this, the ministry of health and family welfare introduced the electronic vaccine intelligence network (eVIN), a digital platform to manage vaccine logistics nationwide. Alongside intensive campaigns like Mission Indradhanush, these efforts have propelled vaccine coverage to 93%, protecting over 27 million newborns annually. But 93% is not 100%. Millions of children remain partially vaccinated or entirely unvaccinated, often due to vaccine hesitancy or the mobility of families seeking better livelihoods. Every missed vaccination represents a preventable risk—a risk we cannot afford.

Recognizing the need for a bold solution that works for everyone, India has launched Universal Immunization WIN (U-WIN), a cutting-edge digital platform designed to electronically register and monitor the vaccination status of all expectant mothers and children across India. This people-centric platform—developed with technical support from UNDP—will track and enhance vaccine coverage nationwide.