India's polio-free certification in 2014 stands as one of the most significant achievements in global public health. This historic milestone was the result of decades of dedicated efforts under the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) and the robust Universal Immunization Programme (UIP). The Government of India, supported by global organizations like UNICEF, WHO, Rotary International, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the CDC, mobilized resources, introduced innovative vaccines, and raised awareness about the importance of vaccinating every child under five years.
India’s journey in immunization began in 1978 with the launch of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), which aimed to protect children from common infectious diseases. In 1985, this program evolved into the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), expanding its coverage to rural areas and forming a cornerstone of India’s health initiatives, including the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) of 2005.
Today, UIP is among the world’s largest public health initiatives, targeting over 2.67 crore newborns and 2.9 crore pregnant women annually with free vaccines against 12 preventable diseases. Polio eradication became a primary objective under UIP, laying the foundation for India’s eventual success in eliminating the disease.
The last wild poliovirus case in India in 2011 marked a turning point in global health effortsWorld Health Organization (WHO)
India’s fight against polio gained momentum with the launch of the Pulse Polio Immunization Programme in 1995. This groundbreaking initiative began with a large-scale campaign in Delhi on October 2, 1994, vaccinating over a million children using the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV). The campaign’s slogan, "Do Boond Zindagi Ki" (Two Drops of Life), became iconic, symbolizing the nation's commitment to protecting every child.
Over the years, the program scaled nationwide, combining mass immunization efforts with door-to-door campaigns to reach children in remote areas. Routine immunization under UIP also played a critical role, maintaining high immunity levels through scheduled vaccinations against various diseases.
Cold chain management emerged as a critical component of India’s immunization efforts, ensuring vaccines were stored and transported under optimal conditions. The establishment of the National Cold Chain Training Centre (NCCTE) and the rollout of the Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVIN) enhanced vaccine storage and logistics, minimizing wastage and maximizing coverage.
India also introduced the Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) in 2015 as part of the Global Polio Endgame Strategy. This vaccine offered added protection against type 2 poliovirus and complemented the switch from trivalent OPV (tOPV) to bivalent OPV (bOPV). By 2016, IPV was available nationwide, fortifying India’s defense against polio.
India’s robust surveillance systems were pivotal in its polio eradication efforts. Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance tracked unexplained paralysis cases among children under 15, a key symptom of polio. Additionally, environmental surveillance monitored sewage samples for poliovirus, helping identify potential hotspots.
These surveillance mechanisms enabled swift responses to outbreaks, ensuring the virus could not regain a foothold. The vigilance of India’s health workers and volunteers, combined with cutting-edge monitoring tools, created an effective early warning system.
The unwavering political commitment of the Indian government was instrumental in the eradication campaign. Leaders at the central and state levels ensured that resources were allocated and immunization efforts were prioritized.
Community engagement further strengthened the campaign’s impact. Health workers and volunteers conducted extensive door-to-door vaccination drives, raising awareness about the importance of immunization and reaching children in the most isolated areas. Collaboration with local leaders and influencers helped dispel myths and foster trust in the program.
Do Boond Zindagi Ki became a symbol of hope and determination in India's fight against polio.Government of India Campaign
India reported its last case of wild poliovirus in January 2011 in Howrah, West Bengal. Over the next three years, the country intensified its surveillance and vaccination efforts to ensure no new cases emerged. In 2014, following a rigorous evaluation by the Regional Polio Certification Commission, India was officially declared polio-free by WHO.
This achievement was celebrated globally as a testament to India’s determination and the power of collaborative public health interventions.
Despite its polio-free status, India remains vigilant to prevent re-emergence. Annual National and Sub-National Immunization Days continue to boost immunity among children, while surveillance through AFP and environmental monitoring ensures any signs of poliovirus are detected early.
Vaccination at international borders is another critical strategy to prevent the importation of polio from endemic regions. Additionally, new vaccines, including the Rotavirus, Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV), and Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine, have been introduced to tackle other preventable diseases.
Launched in 2014, Mission Indradhanush aims to increase immunization coverage to 90% by targeting underserved areas with low coverage rates. The intensified phase of the mission has made significant progress in reaching vulnerable populations, reinforcing India’s commitment to child health and disease prevention.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)