In a momentous achievement, India has been honored with the esteemed ‘Measles and Rubella Champion’ Award by The Measles and Rubella Partnership, underscoring the nation’s unwavering dedication to public health and exemplary leadership in combating infectious diseases.

Presented at the American Red Cross Headquarters in Washington D.C., USA, on March 6th, 2024, the award acknowledges India’s remarkable strides in curbing the spread of measles and rubella, particularly among children. Ambassador Sripriya Ranganathan, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India, Washington D.C., graciously accepted the award on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

The Measles and Rubella Partnership, comprising a consortium of esteemed organizations such as the American Red Cross, BMGF, GAVI, US CDC, UNF, UNICEF, and WHO, lauded India’s proactive approach in reducing global measles deaths and preventing rubella illness.

India’s exceptional efforts include leveraging ‘measles as a tracer’ to bolster routine immunization under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), implementing proactive MR vaccination campaigns in high-risk areas, and employing innovative strategies to reach underserved populations. The nation’s robust surveillance systems and effective public-awareness initiatives have further fortified its defenses against these vaccine-preventable diseases.

Remarkably, India’s relentless efforts have yielded significant progress, with 50 districts consistently reporting zero measles cases and 226 districts remaining free of rubella cases over the past year. This milestone underscores the dedication and hard work of frontline health workers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and communities across the nation.

The Government of India’s commitment to eliminating measles and rubella from the country is evident through its continued emphasis on comprehensive interventions and public health initiatives. Since 2017, the MR Vaccine has been an integral part of India’s Universal Immunization Programme, underscoring the nation’s steadfast resolve to safeguard the health and well-being of its population.

This prestigious award not only celebrates India’s achievements but also serves as a testament to the nation’s leadership and commitment to global health initiatives. It is a moment of pride for the healthcare community, showcasing India’s exemplary efforts in disease prevention and public health management.

Like

Dislike

Be a part of Elets Collaborative Initiatives. Join Us for Upcoming Events and explore business opportunities. Like us on Facebook , connect with us on LinkedIn and follow us on Twitter , Instagram.