MAASTHI

India has made remarkable progress in its vaccination programs, sustaining a polio-free status for over 14 years. Each year, the national program reaches nearly 27 million newborns and 29 million pregnant women through ~12 million vaccination sessions, supported by vaccines against 11 VPDs nationwide and one sub-nationally, and an extensive network of ~29,000 cold-chain points. Backed by the largest vaccine-manufacturing capacity in the world, India has not only ensured its own domestic vaccine security but also supplied affordable, high-quality vaccines to many low- and middle-income countries. At a time when misinformation is leading to controversies around vaccination, resulting in vaccine hesitancy, politicization, and equity gaps, India stands out as a shining example of public trust, and manufacturing self-reliance can achieve. Its ability to implement large-scale immunization, sustain elimination targets, and contribute to global vaccine access demonstrates that a coordinated public health strategy can overcome skepticism and logistical challenges, offering a compelling model for global immunization efforts.

Very important to listen to this by ⁦@richardhorton1⁩, the most persuasive voice in #globalhealth on childhood #vaccines. linkedin.com/posts/the-lance…