Uttarakhand Sets 2026 Target for Measles-Rubella Elimination
An important meeting of the State Task Force was held today with the aim of eliminating highly infectious diseases like measles and rubella in Uttarakhand and making the regular vaccination program more effective. This meeting was held in the auditorium of National Health Mission, Uttarakhand, which was chaired by Swati S. Bhadauria, Mission Director, National Health Mission Uttarakhand. In the meeting, the preparations being made towards making Uttarakhand measles-rubella free by the year 2026 were reviewed. The Mission Director clarified that the state government is working with full commitment to achieve this goal on time.
Key discussion points in the meeting:-
1:- Ensuring active identification, laboratory confirmation and timely reporting of measles and rubella cases through VPD (Vaccine Preventable Disease) surveillance.
2:- Strengthening the quick and effective response mechanism in case of outbreak.
3:- Digital monitoring and analysis of vaccination sessions through UWIN portal.
4:- Sensitize communities on the importance of vaccination through public awareness campaigns.
Measles and rubella seriously affect children
Swati S. Bhadoria said that both measles and rubella are infectious viral diseases, which especially seriously affect children. These diseases can cause pneumonia, meningitis, blindness and even death. In pregnant women, they lead to complications like fetal deformity and abortion. Therefore, their elimination is very important for global public health. In this direction, a target of 95 percent or more vaccination coverage has been set in Uttarakhand, so that herd immunity can be developed.
Special vaccination weeks will run from July
The Mission Director informed that from July 2025 for the next three months, special MR vaccination weeks will be organized in the entire state. These sessions will be monitored through the UWIN portal. If any vaccination session is not organised due to any reason, the reasons behind it will be reviewed and necessary corrective steps will be taken.
Focus on public awareness campaign
In the meeting, Chief Medical Officers and District Immunisation Officers of all the districts were directed to pay special attention to regular review of vaccination sessions in their area, public awareness activities and session organisation.
