National Campaign launched to eliminate Measles-Rubella by 2026

By  News On Air   Apr 24, 2025

The National Zero Measles-Rubella Elimination campaign 2025-26 was launched in New Delhi today on the first day of the World Immunisation Week. This marks a significant step towards India’s goal of eliminating Measles and Rubella by 2026.

Launching the campaign virtually, Health and Family Welfare Minister J P Nadda said, the campaign marks an opportunity to achieve 100 per cent immunisation coverage by administering two doses of the Measles and Rubella vaccine to children. He highlighted that 332 districts in the country have reported zero measles cases and 487 districts have reported zero rubella cases during January to March this year.

Mr Nadda also urged the State Ministers and Chief Medical Officers to hold public and press meetings where people at large can be informed about the vaccination drive through active Jan Bhagidari. The Minister also called upon States for an inclusive participation of all MLAs, MPs, local and Panchayat heads to spread awareness about the vaccination against Measles and Rubella.

Measles and Rubella are highly infectious viral diseases that can lead to serious illnesses, lifelong complications, and even death. Due to their high infection rate, India has set a goal to eliminate these diseases by 2026.

Under the Universal Immunisation Programme, two doses of the Measles-Rubella vaccine are provided free of cost to all eligible children, at 9 to 12 months and 16 to 24 months of age. Last year, India has recorded a remarkable decline of 73 per cent in Measles cases and a 17 per cent reduction in Rubella cases in comparison with 2023.