Health & Lifestyle
Improved Vaccination Coverage Boosts Child Health Indicators Nationwide
India has recorded a significant increase in rotavirus vaccine coverage among children and a decline in acute respiratory illness cases, according to the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6), highlighting progress in child healthcare and immunisation efforts.
India has achieved substantial progress in child immunisation and healthcare outcomes, with coverage of all three doses of the Rotavirus Vaccine (RVV) more than doubling over the past few years, according to findings from the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6).
The survey, released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, showed that full RVV coverage among children increased from 36.4 per cent in 2019-21 to 85.4 per cent in 2023-24.
Sharp Rise in Vaccine Coverage
| Indicator | 2019-21 | 2023-24 |
|---|---|---|
| Full Rotavirus Vaccine Coverage | 36.4% | 85.4% |
The rotavirus vaccine was introduced into India’s Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) in 2016 and expanded nationwide in 2019.
The vaccine plays a crucial role in protecting children against severe diarrhoeal disease caused by rotavirus, a major contributor to child mortality and hospitalisation worldwide.
Improvement in Child Health
The NFHS-6 findings also revealed a decline in the prevalence of Acute Respiratory Illness (ARI) among children.
Indicator 2019-21 2023-24 Acute Respiratory Illness (ARI) Prevalence 2.8% 1.9%
The reduction in ARI cases is being viewed as a positive indicator of improvements in child healthcare, immunisation coverage, awareness, and access to medical services.
Significance of the Findings
Health experts note that higher vaccination coverage can significantly reduce child mortality, prevent hospital admissions, and improve overall health outcomes.
The findings underscore the impact of sustained immunisation campaigns and public health interventions undertaken through the Universal Immunisation Programme.
The survey results are expected to guide future policy decisions aimed at strengthening maternal and child health services and achieving broader public health goals across the country.
