India's share of zero-dose children falls from 0.11% to 0.06% of population
On 28 June 2025 in New Delhi, the Health Ministry said zero-dose children declined from 0.11% of India's population in 2023 to 0.06% in 2024.
Summary
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on 28 June 2025 in New Delhi that the percentage of zero-dose children in India's total population declined from 0.11% in 2023 to 0.06% in 2024. The Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) provides free vaccination annually to 2.9 crore pregnant women and 2.6 crore infants and now covers 12 vaccine-preventable diseases. Till 2013 the programme had six vaccines; six new vaccines were added from 2014. The Zero Dose Implementation Plan 2024 was rolled out in 143 districts across 11 states with a high burden of unvaccinated children, and the U-WIN platform tracks immunisation digitally.
Key facts
- Zero-dose share
- 0.11% (2023) to 0.06% (2024)
- UIP reach
- 2.9 crore pregnant women, 2.6 crore infants a year
- Diseases covered (static)
- 12 vaccine-preventable diseases
- Vaccines till 2013
- 6; six new added from 2014
- Zero Dose Implementation Plan 2024
- 143 districts in 11 states
- Mission Indradhanush (static)
- Since 2014; intensified in 2017
- Digital tracking
- U-WIN platform
Practice MCQs 3 questions
According to the Health Ministry (28 June 2025), the percentage of zero-dose children in India's total population fell from 0.11% in 2023 to what in 2024?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 0.06%
MoHFW: the share of zero-dose children declined from 0.11% in 2023 to 0.06% in 2024.
The Zero Dose Implementation Plan 2024 was rolled out in how many districts?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 143 districts in 11 states
MoHFW: the Zero Dose Implementation Plan 2024 was rolled out across 143 districts in 11 states with a high burden of unvaccinated children.
Consider the following statements about India's Universal Immunization Programme (UIP): 1. The UIP currently covers 12 vaccine-preventable diseases. 2. Till 2013, only six vaccines were available in the programme. 3. Mission Indradhanush was first launched in 2017. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
MoHFW: statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: Mission Indradhanush runs since 2014 and was intensified in 2017.