On the first day of World Immunization Week (April 24–30), Health Minister JP Nadda officially launched the National Zero Measles and Rubella Elimination Campaign 2025–26, a step in India’s mission to wipe out measles and rubella by 2026.
Speaking during the virtual launch, Nadda described the campaign as a powerful opportunity to ensure 100% immunization coverage for children through two crucial doses of the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine. He stressed that these highly contagious diseases not only affect children’s health but also bring hardship to families, and called for urgent, collective action so no child is left behind.
To spread awareness, the minister also released a range of multilingual educational materials from posters to radio jingles which were shared with all states and Union Territories to support the rollout.
Highlighting India’s progress, Nadda shared that between January and March 2025, 332 districts reported zero measles cases, and 487 districts had zero rubella cases a promising sign toward the country’s elimination goals. India’s dedication to this cause was also recognized internationally when it received the prestigious Measles and Rubella Champion Award earlier this year in Washington, D.C.
“Just like we eradicated Polio and Maternal & Neonatal Tetanus, we can eliminate measles and rubella too,” Nadda said. He urged states, district health officials, and local leaders to be proactive, conduct public meetings, and engage communities. He called on frontline health workers to reach the hardest-to-reach populations including migrants, slums, and remote rural areas ensuring vaccines reach every child, everywhere.
The campaign is supported by India’s Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP), one of the world’s largest, which provides free MR vaccines to all eligible children at 9–12 months and again at 16–24 months. As of 2024–25, the country has achieved 93.7% coverage for the first dose and 92.2% for the second a strong foundation for full elimination.
India has already seen significant impact in 2024, measles cases dropped by 73% and rubella cases by 17% compared to the previous year.
The campaign is also backed by technology through the U-WIN platform, launched by the Prime Minister, which helps record vaccinations, generate certificates, and schedule appointments nationwide.
Nadda concluded with a message of unity and urgency: “If we act today, we will succeed tomorrow.”
