J P Nadda launches National Zero Measles-Rubella Elimination Campaign on the occasion of World Immunization Week

 Jagat Prakash Nadda today virtually launched the National Zero Measles-Rubella Elimination campaign 2025-26 on the first day of the World Immunization Week (24-30 April), marking a significant step towards India's goal of eliminating Measles and Rubella by 2026.

On the occasion, Union Health Minister released multi-language M-R IEC materials (posters, radio jingles, MR elimination and official U-WIN launch film) for creating awareness in the communities. These IEC materials were also shared with all States/UTs for adaptation and rollout during the MR Elimination Campaign 2025-26. 

Addressing the occasion, Shri J P Nadda stated that, “today is momentous occasion as the launch of Measles-Rubella elimination campaign 2025-26 marks an opportunity to achieve 100% immunization coverage to provide high quality lifestyle to children by administering them with the two doses of Measles and Rubella vaccine.” Noting that this disease is of a highly contagious nature that hampers not only children’s life but also cause misery to their parents, Shri Nadda underlined the importance of ensuring that not even a single child is left behind.

The Union Health Minister congratulated the Ministry for getting recognition with the prestigious Measles and Rubella Champion Award by the Measles and Rubella Partnership in 2024. He highlighted that “332 districts in the country have reported zero measles cases and 487 districts have reported zero rubella cases during January- March 2025 which underscores the progress achieved in the goal of M-R elimination.”

Shri Nadda highlighted the need for keeping the IDSP activated and strengthening surveillance. “We have to target the elimination of M-R in the same way as Polio and Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus elimination was achieved”, he stated. He urged the states and UTs to be attentive, alert, and proactive and work with a ‘ACT NOW’ policy.

Shri 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. He 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. He also urged the frontline workers to reach out to remote and hard to reach areas, slums, migratory population, areas with frequent outbreaks. “We have to reach out to people in the last mile to ensure that we achieve 100% coverage”, he stated. He also emphasized on the need for coordinating with line ministries. He concluded his address by stating that “if we work and act from today, we will be able to achieve success tomorrow.”