World Immunisation Week 2025: India launches campaign to eliminate measles and rubella by 2026

Measles and Rubella, two highly infectious viral diseases, can lead to serious complications and even death, if not treated on time. India has been focused on eliminating these two viral diseases considering their high infection rate.

Globally, 22 million children missed their first measles vaccine in 2023, informed WHO, stressing the importance of vaccines to keep such infectious diseases at bay. 

As per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in 2024, India recorded a decline of 73 per cent in measles cases and a 17 per cent reduction in rubella cases compared with 2023.

Aim to eliminate measles and rubella by 2026

JP Nadda, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, virtually launched the National Zero Measles-Rubella Elimination Campaign 2025-26 on the occasion of World Immunization Week (24-30 April).

Through the campaign, the government aims to eliminate measles and rubella by 2026. "Today is a momentous occasion as the launch of the Measles-Rubella elimination campaign 2025-26 marks an opportunity to achieve 100% immunization coverage to provide a high-quality lifestyle to children by administering them with the two doses of Measles and Rubella vaccine," he said. 

The union minister highlighted that 332 districts in the country reported zero measles cases and 487 districts reported zero rubella cases during January- March 2025 and underscored the progress achieved in the goal of the disease elimination. 

Vaccination figures

Under the Universal Immunisation Programme, two doses of the measles-rubella (MR) vaccine are provided free of cost to all eligible children, at 9-12 months and 16-24 months of age. At present, India's MR vaccination coverage stands at 93.7 per cent for the first dose (2024-25 HMIS data) and 92.2 per cent for the second dose.

As per the health ministry, the government plans to eliminate the two infectious diseases by maintaining > 95 per cent vaccination coverage, surveillance and adequate preparedness in case of outbreaks. To achieve these objectives, the government plans to strengthen support and create awareness through campaigns. 

Health