India Launches National Measles-Rubella Elimination Campaign 2025-26 Aiming for 100% Immunization by 2026

New Delhi: Marking a pivotal step in India’s journey towards eradicating preventable childhood diseases, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda, today virtually launched the National Zero Measles-Rubella (M-R) Elimination Campaign 2025-26. The launch coincided with the first day of World Immunization Week (April 24–30), reaffirming India’s commitment to achieving zero measles and rubella cases by 2026.

During the event, Nadda also released a series of multilingual Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials, including posters, radio jingles, and a launch film for the U-WIN digital immunization platform. These materials, designed to generate awareness about the M-R campaign, have been disseminated to all States and Union Territories for local adaptation and rollout.

Calling the occasion “momentous,” Nadda emphasized the campaign’s goal to reach 100% immunization coverage by ensuring that every child in the country receives two doses of the Measles and Rubella vaccine. “This disease, being highly contagious, not only puts children’s lives at risk but also brings anguish to their families. We must make sure that not a single child is left behind,” he asserted.

The Health Minister noted that significant progress has already been made, citing data from January to March 2025, during which 332 districts reported zero measles cases and 487 districts recorded zero rubella cases. He praised the Health Ministry for receiving the prestigious Measles and Rubella Champion Award from the Measles and Rubella Partnership in 2024.

Highlighting the importance of proactive disease monitoring, Nadda stressed the need to keep the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) active and robust. He urged states and UTs to emulate the strategies that led to the successful elimination of polio and maternal and neonatal tetanus in India. “We need to follow an ‘ACT NOW’ policy to tackle M-R elimination effectively,” he said.

In a call for widespread public participation, the Minister urged State Health Ministers, Chief Medical Officers, and local leaders to hold public and press meetings to increase awareness about the immunization drive. He also called for the active involvement of MLAs, MPs, Panchayat heads, and community leaders to ensure inclusive and comprehensive outreach.

Addressing the challenges of accessibility, Nadda called on frontline health workers to focus on remote regions, urban slums, migratory populations, and outbreak-prone areas. “To achieve 100% coverage, we must reach every child, even in the last mile,” he emphasized. He also highlighted the importance of inter-ministerial coordination to maximize the campaign’s impact.

Concluding his address, the Health Minister urged all stakeholders to act with urgency and unity. “If we work and act from today, we will be able to achieve success tomorrow,” he said, reinforcing the government’s resolve to protect every child from preventable diseases through a robust and inclusive immunization program.