In a major stride towards eliminating life-threatening childhood diseases, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, today virtually launched the National Measles-Rubella (M-R) Elimination Campaign 2025-26. The initiative coincides with the start of World Immunization Week (April 24–30), reinforcing India’s commitment to achieving Measles and Rubella elimination by 2026.
Addressing the nation during the virtual launch, Shri J.P. Nadda emphasized the significance of the campaign in ensuring a high-quality, disease-free life for children. He noted, “Today is a momentous occasion, as the campaign marks an opportunity to achieve 100% immunization coverage through the two-dose Measles-Rubella vaccine protocol.”
Measles and Rubella are highly contagious diseases that continue to pose serious health risks to children, particularly in under-vaccinated areas. The Union Health Minister underscored the urgent need to leave no child behind, especially in remote and vulnerable regions.
As part of the campaign, the Ministry released a comprehensive set of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials in multiple languages, including:
These materials were distributed to all States and Union Territories to ensure uniform implementation and awareness during the campaign.
Shri Nadda also celebrated India’s recent achievement of receiving the prestigious Measles and Rubella Champion Award 2024 from the Measles and Rubella Partnershipacknowledging the country’s strides in disease control.
He revealed that as of January to March 2025, 332 districts reported zero measles casesand 487 districts reported zero rubella casesdemonstrating tangible progress toward the national elimination goal.
The Health Minister emphasized the need to keep the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) actively operational and urged health departments nationwide to remain highly vigilant.
He appealed to State Ministers, Chief Medical Officers, MLAs, MPs, Panchayat leadersand frontline health workers to play an active role in spreading awareness and reaching unreached populations, including:
Shri Nadda invoked a nationwide ‘ACT NOW’ policystressing the importance of immediate and coordinated efforts across ministries, departments, and community leadership.
“We have eliminated Polio and Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus in the past with dedication,” he stated. “With the same spirit, we can eliminate Measles and Rubella.”
He concluded with a powerful call to action: “If we work and act from today, we will be able to achieve success tomorrow.”
