Mission Indradhanush and Intensified Mission Indradhanush-Success Story of India's Universal Immunization Program and the Role of Mann Ki Baat in Bridging the Immunization Gap

Abstract

Child immunization is crucial for reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). The program grew over the years, however, progress towards full immunization coverage (FIC) remained slow, with only 44% of children fully immunized in 1992-1993, and 62% in 2015-2016, as reported in the National Family Health Survey. To address this challenge, Government of India launched Routine Immunization intensification drive- Mission Indradhanush (MI) in 2014, with the aim of achieving 90% FIC. The success of MI led to the launch of Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) in 2017, with more intensive planning, monitoring, review, and inter-sectoral partnerships.