JP Nadda launches National Zero Measles-Rubella Elimination campaign 2025-26

Union health minister JP Nadda on Thursday launched the National Zero Measles-Rubella Elimination campaign 2025-26 on the first day of the World Immunization Week (24-30 April), marking a significant step towards India’s goal of eliminating Measles and Rubella by 2026. He also called upon States for an inclusive participation of all MLAs, MPs, local and Panchayat heads to spread awareness about the vaccination against Measles and Rubella.

Mr Nadda urged the states and UTs to be attentive, alert, and proactive and work with a ‘ACT NOW’ policy. “332 districts in the country have reported zero measles cases and 487 districts have reported zero rubella cases during January- March 2025 which underscores the progress achieved in the goal of M-R elimination,” said the health minister, adding that: “We have to target the elimination of M-R in the same way as Polio and Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus elimination was achieved”.

“Today is a momentous occasion as the launch of Measles-Rubella elimination campaign 2025-26 marks an opportunity to achieve 100 per cent immunization coverage to provide high quality lifestyle to children by administering them with the two doses of Measles and Rubella vaccine,” said Mr Nadda. Noting that this disease is of a highly contagious nature, he asserted the importance of ensuring that not even a single child is left behind.“We have to reach out to people in the last mile to ensure that we achieve 100 per cent coverage”, he stated and emphasized on the need for coordinating with line ministries.