Mokokchung, 5 August (MTNews): The intensified Mission Indradhanush (MI), a flagship immunization intensification drive launched in December 2014, has successfully enhanced Routine Immunization under the Universal Immunization Program (UIP) and have shown a positive impact on immunization coverage.
Confirming this, the State Immunization Officer (SIO), Nagaland, Dr Imkongtemsu Longchar said that, over nine years, the mission has significantly increased immunization coverage, with India reaching 76.4% during 2019-21 (NFHS-5) as compared to 62% 2015-16 (NFHS-4). During the same period, Nagaland reached 58% (NFHS-5, 2019-21) as compared to 35% (NFHS-4, 2015-16).
Despite these achievements, the SIO said that the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges have impeded progress. Mission Indradhanush 5.0, set to roll out in three rounds in 2023, aims to vaccinate children up to 5 years and eligible pregnant women who have missed doses, he said.