🔎 India’s Zero-Dose Children Crisis: A Wake-Up Call for Inclusive Vaccination

Did you know India has the second highest number of “zero-dose” children — kids who haven’t received even a single vaccine dose like DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)? According to a recent Lancet study, India’s count stands at 1.4 million zero-dose children, a troubling statistic that hasn’t improved since 2019 due to pandemic disruptions.

🚨 Why are so many children missing life-saving vaccines?

Low awareness among poor and marginalized communities.

Accessibility issues in remote and tribal regions.

Vaccine skepticism, not only in India but globally.

Low maternal education, which strongly correlates with zero-dose incidence.

The consequences are grave: diseases like measles, polio, or diphtheria — nearly eradicated elsewhere — can re-emerge, endangering children and entire communities.

✅ What’s being done?

The Indian government has launched:

Mission Indradhanush — to immunize children against 12 life-threatening diseases.

Zero-Dose Implementation Plan (2024) — targeting 143 high-risk districts with intensified vaccination efforts.

📊 However, India is lagging behind the WHO’s target of halving zero-dose numbers by 2030. To catch up, greater investments, grassroots awareness, and active community participation are critical.

💬 How can India ensure every child gets vaccinated? Share your ideas and thoughts below!

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