Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DPT) vaccine remains a crucial part of global immunisation programs. Administered by health organisations worldwide, its use is considered consequential for gauging immunization coverage across countries.
A recent report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) underlined the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on these immunisation programs globally, and specifically in India.
Detailed Look at Diphtheria
Diphtheria is an infection primarily caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Its symptoms are similar to the common cold, including fever, chills, swollen gland in the neck, sore throat, and bluish skin. Diphtheria majorly affects children aged 1 to 5 years and is spread mainly through coughs, sneezes, or close contact with an infected person.
What is Tetanus?
Tetanus is a bacterial infection that enters the body through a cut or wound and is caused by the spores of the bacterium Clostridium tetani. Tetanus cannot be transmitted from person to person. Its prevention is achieved through Tetanus-Toxoid-Containing Vaccines (TTCV).
Understanding Pertussis
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. The disease is most dangerous in infants and spreads easily from person to person mainly through droplets produced by coughing or sneezing.
Key Highlights of the Report
The report states that three million children did not receive their first dose of the DPT vaccine in 2020. The percentage of children worldwide who received three doses of the DTP vaccine declined by five percentage points between 2019 and 2021. Around 25 million children globally missed out on one or more doses of the DTP vaccine in 2021 alone, which marks a significant decline in childhood vaccination.
Contributing Factors for the Decline
The decline in DPT immunisation was due to numerous factors, including an increased number of children living in conflict and fragile settings, misinformation, and COVID-19-related issues, such as supply chain disruptions, resource diversion to response efforts, and containment measures that limited immunisation service access and availability.
India’s Role in DPT Immunisation
India annually vaccinates more than 30 million pregnant women and 27 million children through its universal immunisation program. It has successfully prevented further backslides by introducing catch-up programs like the Intensified Mission Indradhanush 3.0.
Global Initiatives
Key global initiatives related to immunisation include the Global Immunization Agenda 2030 and World Immunisation Week. These initiatives aim to ensure disease prevention through immunisation and vaccine delivery to all individuals, regardless of age and location.
Way Forward
Intensive efforts are required to address backsliding on routine immunisation, expand outreach services in underserved areas, and implement campaigns to prevent outbreaks. Building trust in vaccines and immunisation and countering misinformation are also crucial to increasing vaccine uptake, particularly among vulnerable communities.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question
In 2016, the UPSC asked about ‘Mission Indradhanush’ during the Civil Services Examination. Mission Indradhanush was launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India on 25th December 2014. It aimed to cover all those children by 2020 who are either unvaccinated, or are partially vaccinated against seven vaccine-preventable diseases which include diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, polio, tuberculosis, measles, and hepatitis B. This initiative is technically supported by WHO, UNICEF, Rotary International, and other donor partners.