The Role of Immunisation in Reducing Infant Mortality in India

1. The Role of Immunisation in Reducing Infant Mortality in India Infant mortality remains a significant public health challenge in India, where thousands of children under the age of one die each year due to preventable diseases. Among the many strategies implemented to combat this crisis, immunization has proven to be one of the most effective and cost-efficient interventions. By protecting infants from life-threatening infections, immunization has significantly contributed to the decline in infant mortality rates in India. Understanding Infant Mortality in India Infant mortality rate (IMR) refers to the number of deaths of infants under one year of age per 1,000 live births. According to data from the Sample Registration System (SRS), India’s IMR has declined from 66 per 1,000 live births in 2000 to 28 per 1,000 live births in 2020. However, despite this progress, India still accounts for a large share of global infant deaths, primarily due to preventable diseases such as pneumonia, diarrhea, measles, and tuberculosis.

2. The high rate of infant mortality is linked to several factors, including poor maternal health, malnutrition, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and lack of awareness about preventive measures like immunization. This is where vaccination plays a crucial role in safeguarding the health of newborns. How Immunization Helps Reduce Infant Mortality Immunization protects infants from infectious diseases by building immunity against life-threatening bacteria and viruses. When a child is vaccinated, their immune system learns to recognize and fight off harmful pathogens, reducing the risk of severe illness and death. Here’s how immunization contributes to lowering infant mortality: 1. Prevention of Life-Threatening Diseases Vaccines provide protection against several deadly diseases that contribute to infant mortality, including: ● Pneumonia and Diarrhea – Leading causes of infant deaths, significantly reduced by vaccines like Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) and Rotavirus Vaccine. ● Measles – A highly contagious disease that can lead to complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis. The Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine has played a critical role in reducing measles-related deaths. ● Tuberculosis – The Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine provides protection against severe forms of tuberculosis, especially in newborns. ● Diphtheria, Pertussis (Whooping Cough), and Tetanus (DPT) – The DPT vaccine prevents these serious infections, which can be fatal in infants. 2. Herd Immunity and Community Protection Vaccination not only protects individual children but also contributes to herd immunity, reducing the spread of diseases within communities. When a significant portion of the population is immunized, it prevents the outbreak of contagious diseases, thereby protecting infants who are too young or medically unable to receive certain vaccines. 3. Reduction in Healthcare Burden By preventing severe diseases, immunization reduces hospital admissions, medical expenses, and the strain on India’s healthcare system. This ensures that healthcare resources can be allocated to other critical areas, ultimately improving overall child healthcare services. India’s Immunization Initiatives and Their Impact

3. Recognizing the importance of vaccines in child survival, the Government of India has implemented several immunization programs over the years. Some key initiatives include: 1. Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) Launched in 1985, the UIP is one of the largest public health initiatives in the world. It provides free vaccines against 12 preventable diseases, including polio, tuberculosis, measles, diphtheria, and hepatitis B. 2. Mission Indradhanush Launched in 2014, Mission Indradhanush aims to achieve 90% full immunization coverage in India. The program targets underserved areas and marginalized communities, ensuring that no child misses life-saving vaccines. 3. Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) This program, introduced in 2017, focuses on high-risk districts with low immunization rates. By improving vaccine accessibility, IMI has played a crucial role in increasing coverage in rural and tribal areas. 4. Pulse Polio Programme India’s successful Pulse Polio Immunization campaign led to the eradication of polio, demonstrating the power of mass immunization. This initiative serves as a model for tackling other vaccine-preventable diseases. Challenges in Achieving Full Immunization Coverage Despite significant progress, several challenges continue to hinder the success of immunization programs in India: 1. Lack of Awareness – Many parents, especially in rural areas, are unaware of the importance of vaccines, leading to missed immunization schedules. 2. Vaccine Hesitancy – Misinformation and myths surrounding vaccines contribute to hesitancy among some communities. 3. Healthcare Infrastructure Gaps – Limited access to healthcare facilities in remote areas makes vaccine delivery difficult. 4. Dropout Rates – Many infants receive the first dose of a vaccine but fail to complete the full course, reducing its effectiveness. The Way Forward

4. To further reduce infant mortality through immunization, India must focus on: ● Strengthening Awareness Campaigns – Educating parents and caregivers on the benefits of vaccination. ● Improving Last-Mile Delivery – Expanding healthcare infrastructure in remote and underserved regions. ● Combating Misinformation – Addressing vaccine myths through community engagement and digital outreach. ● Enhancing Data Tracking – Using digital immunization records to monitor vaccine coverage and ensure timely follow-ups. Conclusion Immunization has played a transformative role in reducing infant mortality in India by protecting newborns from preventable diseases. Programs like Mission Indradhanush and UIP have significantly increased vaccine coverage, saving countless lives. However, achieving universal immunization requires continued efforts in awareness, accessibility, and policy implementation. By ensuring every child receives timely vaccinations, India can move closer to its goal of eliminating preventable infant deaths and securing a healthier future for its next generation.