Indian Express Editorial Summary

Editorial Topic : U-Win: A Boost for India’s Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP)

 GS-2 Mains Exam : Govt. Schemes

Question : Discuss the role and significance of the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) in India’s public health landscape. How has the introduction of digital platforms like U-Win addressed the challenges faced by UIP?

Background:

• UIP – A success story in global public health.
• U-Win – A digital vaccination registry to launch on August 15, 2024.

How U-Win Works:

• Targets: 29 million pregnant women and 26 million infants annually.
• Addresses limitations of current system:
  • Manual data collection by ASHA workers.
  • Unrecorded vaccinations in private facilities.
• Benefits:
  • Real-time data for policymakers.
  • Improved planning and outbreak response.

Challenges in India’s UIP:

• Progress:
  • Started with 4 vaccines (1978).
  • Now targets 12 diseases.
  • 80% coverage in 12-23 months age group (NFHS data).
• Concerns:
  • Disruption during COVID pandemic.
  • Slight dip in DPT vaccination rates (WHO-UNICEF data).
  • Exclusion of migrant population.
  • Drop-out rates.

U-Win as a Solution:

• Potential benefits:
  • Improved coverage among disadvantaged groups.
  • Reduced infant mortality.
  • SMS alerts and appointment booking for parents.
• Challenge: Bridging the digital divide.

Digital Platforms in Vaccination Drive:

• COWIN platform’s role in COVID vaccination.
• e-VIN platform’s success in cold chain logistics (80% reduction in stock-outs).
• U-Win poised to be world’s largest immunization registry.

Conclusion:

• U-Win, along with other digital tools, can strengthen India’s UIP and expand its reach.