India Cuts Zero-dose Children by 43% | 28 Jul 2025

Source: DD 

India has reduced the number of zero-dose children from 1.6 million in 2023 to 0.9 million in 2024, playing a key role in South Asia’s highest-ever immunization coverage, as reported by World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF). 

• Zero-dose children are those who haven't received even the first dose of the DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) vaccine, meaning they are never reached by routine immunization services. 
• In 2024, 92% of South Asian infants received the third DTP dose highest ever, up 2% from 2023. Still, over 2.9 million children remain un- or under-vaccinated. 
• India's Immunization Drive: India received the Measles and Rubella Champion Award in 2024 for its immunization leadership. 
  • The Zero Dose Implementation Plan 2024 aims to vaccinate unvaccinated children. The share of zero-dose children in India dropped from 0.11% in 2023 to 0.06% in 2024. 
  • Mission Indradhanush (Since 2014) has vaccinated 5.46 crore children and 1.32 crore pregnant women previously unreached or under-vaccinated. 
  • Through National Vaccination Day (16th March), India has maintained polio-free status since 2014.