Answer:

Targeted strategies and immunisation in India aim to achieve high vaccination coverage through focused efforts addressing specific barriers. Despite improvements, around 2.04 million children remained under-vaccinated in 2023, indicating the need for intensified efforts and innovative approaches to enhance immunisation coverage.

Role of Targeted Strategies in Achieving High Immunisation Coverage Rate:

• Data-Driven Approach: Conducting thorough surveys and using GIS mapping to identify and target areas with low immunisation coverage.
  For instance: Implementing a detailed micro-plan for each block and village to address local barriers effectively.
• Mobile Vaccination Units: Deploying mobile teams to reach remote and hard-to-reach areas, ensuring accessibility to vaccines.
  For example: India’s Pulse Polio program employed mobile teams to vaccinate children in remote villages, effectively overcoming geographic barriers to ensure widespread coverage and contribute to the eradication of polio.
• Community Engagement: Collaborating wit0 local leaders and influencers to promote vaccination and address hesitancy.
  For example: In India, during the COVID-19 pandemic, government health authorities collaborated with religious leaders, celebrities, and community influencers to encourage vaccination.
• Special Population Strategies: Focusing on migratory populations and organising vaccination camps at work sites and temporary settlements.
  For instance: Coordinating with labour departments to ensure migratory workers’ children receive follow-up doses.
• Incentives and Recognition: Implementing reward systems for high-achieving villages and recognizing successful healthcare workers.
  For example: Under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) in India, healthcare workers who demonstrated outstanding performance in maternal and child health services were recognized and rewarded, encouraging improved healthcare delivery and outcomes across rural areas.”

Measures to Achieve High Immunisation Coverage:

• Enhanced Planning and Data Management: Setting up district-level task forces for regular review meetings and real-time monitoring systems.
  For instance: Using data to adjust strategies and improve vaccination coverage in low-performing areas.
• Improved Outreach and Accessibility: Identifying and mapping hard-to-reach areas and using innovative transportation methods for vaccine delivery.
  For instance: Deploying all-weather vehicles to ensure vaccines reach remote locations during different seasons.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Launching multi-channel awareness drives focusing on the importance of complete vaccination schedules.
  For instance: Using social media, radio, and community meetings to disseminate information about vaccination benefits.
• Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy: Creating rapid response teams to counter rumours and misinformation about vaccines.
  For instance: Conducting targeted interventions in areas with high vaccine hesitancy to build trust and confidence.
• Technology Integration: Implementing digital tracking systems and using SMS reminders for vaccination schedules.
  For instance: Parents receiving SMS alerts for their child’s upcoming vaccination appointments to ensure timely immunisation.

Future strategies must focus on integrating advanced technologies, community engagement, and robust planning to achieve and sustain high immunisation coverage in India. A collaborative approach involving local leaders, innovative outreach methods, and continuous monitoring will ensure equitable vaccine access and improved public health outcomes.

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