Why is it in the news?
India celebrated National Vaccination Day and highlighted UIP achievements.
Category: Health
Important Points:
● National Vaccination Day is celebrated on 16 March
● Marks first Oral Polio Vaccine dose in 1995
● UIP launched in 1985 for free vaccination
● Covers children and pregnant women
● Targets 12 vaccine-preventable diseases
● Covers 2.9 crore pregnant women and 2.54 crore children annually
● Immunisation coverage reached 98.4% in 2026
● Mission Indradhanush aims >90% coverage
● India produces about 60% of global vaccines