National Zero Measles-Rubella (MR) Elimination Campaign 2025–26

Marking the start of World Immunization Week (April 24–30, 2025), Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda virtually launched the National Zero Measles-Rubella (MR) Elimination Campaign 2025–26, reaffirming India’s commitment to eliminate Measles and Rubella by 2026.

Key Highlights:

• 332 districts reported zero measles cases and 487 districts reported zero rubella cases (Jan–Mar 2025).
• India received the Measles and Rubella Champion Award from the Measles and Rubella Partnership in March 2024.

Strategic Focus:

• Achieve and maintain >95% MR vaccine coverage (2 doses) in every district.
• Maintain timely, case-based surveillance.
• Ensure rapid outbreak response readiness.
• Strengthen inter-departmental coordination.
• Promote public awareness to counter vaccine hesitancy.

Current Vaccination Status (HMIS 2024–25):

• 93.7% coverage for MR first dose.
• 92.2% coverage for MR second dose.

Impact:

• 73% decline in measles and 17% decline in rubella cases in 2024 compared to 2023.