679,000 Indian Children Missed Vaccines in 2025: WHO Report
A new WHO report reveals a significant number of Indian children did not receive any routine vaccinations in their first year during 2025.
Source: HT India NewsIn 2025, approximately 679,000 children in India were identified as 'zero-dose' children. This means they did not receive a single dose of routine vaccines in their first year of life. Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 13.5 million children were 'zero-dose' in the same year. India accounted for a substantial portion of this global figure. The WHO report highlights ongoing challenges in achieving universal immunization coverage, especially in certain regions. These 'zero-dose' children are highly vulnerable to preventable diseases like measles, polio, and diphtheria. The data underscores the need for stronger public health interventions and improved access to vaccination services across India.
This news is crucial for competitive exams, particularly for UPSC GS Paper II (Social Justice, Health) and SSC General Awareness. It highlights India's progress and challenges in public health and immunization programs. Aspirants should understand the implications of 'zero-dose' children on national health indicators and government schemes like Mission Indradhanush. It also connects to global health initiatives and India's role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals related to health.
- 679,000 Indian children were 'zero-dose' in 2025, as per WHO.
- Globally, 13.5 million children were 'zero-dose' in 2025.
- A 'zero-dose' child is one who has not received any routine vaccine in their first year.
- The report was released by the World Health Organization (WHO).
- India contributes significantly to the global 'zero-dose' child population.
Zero-dose children are those who have not received a single dose of the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) vaccine, which is often used as a marker for overall immunization coverage. These children are at high risk of contracting vaccine-preventable diseases and represent a critical gap in global health equity.
The WHO is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. It was established on April 7, 1948, and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. WHO provides leadership on global health matters, shapes the health research agenda, sets norms and standards, articulates evidence-based policy options, provides technical support to countries, and monitors and assesses health trends.
Mission Indradhanush is a flagship immunization program launched by the Government of India in December 2014. Its aim is to achieve full immunization coverage for all children and pregnant women against vaccine-preventable diseases. The mission focuses on areas with low immunization rates and targets diseases like diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, polio, tuberculosis, measles, and hepatitis B.
Examiners frequently ask about government health schemes like Mission Indradhanush, national immunization targets, and the role of international organizations like WHO in public health. Questions often appear in UPSC GS Paper II and SSC General Awareness sections.
Remember 'Zero-Dose' as 'Z-D' for 'Zero Disease' prevention, highlighting the critical need for the first vaccine dose.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of 'zero-dose' children in India?
The significance of 'zero-dose' children in India lies in their vulnerability to preventable diseases and their indication of gaps in the country's immunization program. Addressing this group is crucial for improving public health outcomes, reducing child mortality, and achieving national and global health targets like those under the Sustainable Development Goals.
Which government scheme in India focuses on increasing immunization coverage?
Mission Indradhanush is a key government scheme in India focused on increasing immunization coverage. Launched in 2014, it aims to fully immunize children and pregnant women against a range of vaccine-preventable diseases, particularly in areas with low vaccination rates, to ensure no child is left behind.
What are the main challenges in achieving full immunization coverage in India?
Main challenges in achieving full immunization coverage in India include geographical barriers, lack of awareness among communities, vaccine hesitancy, inadequate cold chain infrastructure in remote areas, and issues with service delivery. Overcoming these requires sustained efforts in outreach, education, and strengthening health systems.