Community participation and digital innovation vital for universal immunisation: UNDP India chief

India’s Universal Immunisation Programme is among the largest of its kind in the world, reaching an estimated 29 million pregnant women and 26 million newborns every year. As a longstanding partner of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has played a key role in supporting the government’s efforts to strengthen last-mile delivery and enhance the efficiency of vaccine distribution systems. On the occasion of World Immunisation Week (April 24–30), The Hindu spoke with Dr. Angela Lusigi, Resident Representative of UNDP India, about the transformative role of digital platforms like the Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVIN) and U-WIN, as well as the launch of a new community-based initiative—the Community of Practice for Demand (CoP-D). In this conversation, Dr. Lusigi discusses the importance of inclusive outreach, data-driven solutions, and community engagement in the drive toward universal immunisation coverage.

India