Why in the news?

  • Hepatitis A is becoming a mounting threat in India, which needs to be addressed via the Universal Immunisation Programme.

Hepatitis A

  • What is it?: Hepatitis A is an acute viral infection caused by the Hepatitis A Virus (HAV).
  • Transmission: Faeco-oral route (contaminated food, water, poor sanitation).
  • Symptoms: Fever, jaundice, abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue.
  • Nature of Disease: Usually self-limiting, but may cause acute liver failure in rare cases.
  • High-Risk Groups:
    • Children in poor sanitation areas
    • People in overcrowded localities
    • Individuals consuming contaminated water
  • Prevention and Treatment Protocol:
    • Hepatitis A vaccine is available in-
      • Private immunisation
      • State-specific programmes in some states
    • Hepatitis A vaccine is not included under the Universal Immunisation Programme
    • There is no specific medication available for treating Hepatitis A.

Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP)

  • Nodal Ministry: Launched in 1985 by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW).
  • Aim: Provide free vaccination to all children and pregnant women against vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs).
  • Objectives:
    • Reduce morbidity and mortality from VPDs.
    • Achieve universal coverage of immunisation.
    • Ensure high-quality vaccines, cold-chain, surveillance & monitoring.
    • Strengthen routine immunisation through Mission Indradhanush (PIB).
  • Coverage: UIP covers 12 vaccine preventable diseases.
  • Key Components:
    • Routine Immunisation: Regular vaccines delivered through sub-centres, PHCs, CHCs, Anganwadis, outreach sites.
    • Mission Indradhanush: Special drive to improve low-coverage districts.
    • National Cold Chain System: 28,000+ cold chain points, ice-lined refrigerators, cold boxes, temperature monitoring managed by MoHFW
    • Universal Vaccine Logistics: Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVIN) modernises stock & temperature monitoring
  • Achievements
    • India has been certified polio-free since 2014.
    • Major reduction in measles mortality.
    • Nationwide introduction of Pentavalent, RVV, PCV and MR vaccine (PIB).
    • Full immunisation coverage improved significantly under MI & IMI.

 

 

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