Is India lagging in measles vaccination?

Context:

A new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said measles cases in 2022 have increased by 18%, compared to 2021.

Discrepancies in Measles Data

• Global Estimates vs. National Refutation: Highlight the conflicting reports between global estimates, stating 1.1 million unvaccinated infants in India, and the Health Ministry's claim of just over 21,000 children, emphasizing the disagreement over measles vaccination figures.
• WHO Data Clarification: Explain the Health Ministry's assertion that the WHO data relies on estimates, referencing the WHO UNICEF Estimates National Immunization Coverage (WUENIC) 2022 report, and the ministry's commitment to catch-up vaccinations for the reported cases.
• Importance of Accurate Reporting: Emphasize the critical need for accurate vaccination data, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, to facilitate informed policymaking and ensure effective healthcare interventions.

Challenges to Universal Immunization

• UIP's Massive Outreach: Discuss India's Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP), targeting millions of newborns and pregnant women annually, and the disruptions it faced due to routine vaccination interruptions during and post-COVID, leading to measles outbreaks.
• IMI 4.0 as a Remedy: Introduce Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) 4.0 as a strategic response to gaps in routine immunisation. Highlight its aim to cover unvaccinated and partially vaccinated children through a comprehensive approach, especially amid pandemic-related slowdowns.
• Vaccination Against VPDs: Detail the significance of IMI, offering vaccination against 12 Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPD), including measles-rubella, and its launch in 2022 to ensure routine immunisation services reach vulnerable populations, particularly children up to two years old.

Impact of COVID-19 on Measles Vaccination

• Global Setbacks and Vulnerabilities: Discuss the WHO's acknowledgment of setbacks in global surveillance and immunisation due to COVID-19, emphasizing the increased vulnerability of millions of children, globally and in India, to diseases like measles.
• Regional Outbreaks in India: Cite instances from late last year, where Maharashtra and Kerala experienced measles spikes, leading to deaths and cases. Highlight the implications of low immunisation contributing to outbreaks and risks for unvaccinated children.
• Call to Action: Conclude by underscoring the urgency for additional measures in routine and catch-up measles vaccinations. Emphasize the role of stakeholders in children's healthcare to curb the disease's prevalence, especially in the face of ongoing health challenges.