India’s Health and Family Welfare Minister, Harsh Vardhan, has announced the launch of the Intensified Mission Indradhanush 3.0 (IMI 3.0). This initiative is designed to enhance immunization coverage throughout the nation, ensuring that more children and pregnant women are vaccinated against various diseases. The program is set to roll out in two phases, with a specific focus on reaching populations that have been left behind, particularly due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Overview of Intensified Mission Indradhanush 3.0
The Intensified Mission Indradhanush 3.0 is structured around two rounds of immunization activities. The first round is scheduled to commence on February 22, while the second round will begin on March 22. Each immunization drive will span 15 days, aiming to create a substantial impact within a short time frame. The campaign will target a selection of 250 districts and urban areas across 29 States and Union Territories (UTs) that have been pre-identified based on their immunization needs.
Launch of IMI 3.0 Portal and Campaign Materials
In conjunction with the rollout of IMI 3.0, an official portal for the mission has been launched. This online resource provides access to the Operational Guidelines and awareness materials related to the campaign. The portal serves as a central hub for information dissemination and coordination, aiding health workers and officials in effectively implementing the immunization drives.
Objectives of IMI 3.0
The primary goal of IMI 3.0 is to reach the unreached population with all available vaccines included in the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP). By doing so, the mission aims to substantially increase the full immunization coverage of children under two years of age and pregnant women. The campaign places particular emphasis on those who missed their scheduled vaccine doses during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring they are identified and vaccinated during the designated rounds.
Focus on Children and Pregnant Women Affected by the Pandemic
IMI 3.0 is specifically tailored to address the needs of children and pregnant women who have been unable to receive their vaccinations due to the disruptions caused by the coronavirus outbreak. By focusing on this group, the mission seeks to mitigate the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases spreading among these vulnerable populations.
Targeting Full Immunization Coverage
A key objective of the campaign is to achieve at least 90% Full Immunization Coverage (FIC) in all districts of India. This ambitious target reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening the country’s immunization system and protecting its citizens from preventable illnesses.
Impact of Mission Indradhanush Since Its Inception
Since the initial phase of Mission Indradhanush in December 2014, the program has made significant strides in public health. It has successfully vaccinated approximately 9.46 million pregnant women and 37.64 million children, covering an impressive 690 districts nationwide. These figures underscore the mission’s role in enhancing the reach and effectiveness of India’s UIP.
The launch of Intensified Mission Indradhanush 3.0 marks a renewed effort by the Indian government to safeguard the health of the nation’s children and mothers. By expanding immunization coverage and focusing on those most at risk of being left behind, IMI 3.0 aims to build upon the successes of previous phases and bring India closer to its goal of universal immunization.