Vaccination Coverage and Pandemic Preparedness Update
UPSC / SSC current affairs note
Why in news
India has maintained over 93% full immunization coverage for four consecutive years. A nationwide HPV vaccination campaign for 1.2 crore girls aged 14 was launched on 28 February 2026. ICMR has established over 160 virus research and diagnostic labs. An integrated training module for primary healthcare teams was launched in April 2026.
Background
The Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) is a key initiative under the National Health Policy 2017, which set a target of 90% full immunization coverage. The government has been strengthening health infrastructure and disease surveillance to prepare for future pandemics.
Key facts
National full immunization coverage (FIC) was 94.7% in 2022-23, 93.7% in 2023-24, 98.3% in 2024-25, and 97.9% in 2025-26.
A nationwide HPV vaccination campaign for 1.2 crore eligible girls aged 14 was launched on 28 February 2026 across all 36 states/UTs.
HPV vaccine is provided free at designated government health facilities including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, PHCs, CHCs, SDHs/DHs, and GMCs.
ICMR has established a network of over 160 Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs) for lab-based diagnosis of pathogens.
An integrated training module for primary healthcare teams at Ayushman Arogya Mandir was launched in April 2026.
PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) strengthens public health infrastructure at primary and secondary levels.
Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) has been strengthened with trained Rapid Response Teams (RRTs).
Medical oxygen infrastructure has been enhanced with PSA plants, medical gas pipeline systems, and supply of cylinders and concentrators.
Digital portals like IHIP, IDSP, HMIS, AAM portal, and NP-NCD portal enable real-time data collection and analysis for early outbreak detection.
Prelims pointers
- Universal Immunization Programme (UIP)
- National Health Policy 2017
- HPV vaccination campaign: 28 Feb 2026, girls aged 14, 1.2 crore beneficiaries
- Ayushman Arogya Mandir
- PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM)
- Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP)
- Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs) by ICMR
- Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) plants
- Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP)
- National Programme for Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD)
Mains angles
- Evaluate the effectiveness of India's Universal Immunization Programme in achieving high coverage and addressing gaps.
- Discuss the significance of the HPV vaccination campaign in preventing cervical cancer and challenges in reaching adolescent girls.
- Analyze India's preparedness for future pandemics in terms of health infrastructure, surveillance, and workforce training.
- Examine the role of digital health platforms in disease surveillance and outbreak response.