SECURING INDIA’S POLIO-FREE FUTURE: THE STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE OF MANAGING A UNIVERSAL IMMUNISATION PROGRAM

Vaccines have been a major medical breakthrough of the 20" century. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), vaccines provide crucial protection against vaccine preventable diseases, when given according to recommended schedules!

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ndia, with its largest birth cohort globally, has made remarkable progress in protecting newborns through its Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP).

The Government of India (Gol) have managed both supply and demand of the UIP very well. From a demand perspective, they ensure strong uptake by education and awareness at the grassroot level. The deployment of ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activists) workers mobilise and ensure people come for vaccination, serving as a bridge between public health and the community. From a supply perspective, they have implemented a forward-thinking multi-supplier strategy across UIP-covered vaccines to ensure reliable sources and safeguard against supply disruptions.