India Receives Prestigious Measles and Rubella Champion Award

March 11, 2024

India has been honored with the esteemed Measles and Rubella Champion Award for its exceptional efforts in combating these infectious diseases. The award was presented by The Measles and Rubella Partnership at the American Red Cross Headquarters in Washington D.C., USA, on March 6th, 2024. Ambassador Sripriya Ranganathan, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India, Washington D.C., accepted the award on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

The Measles and Rubella Partnership

The Measles and Rubella Partnership is a multi-agency planning committee comprising the American Red Cross, BMGF, GAVI, US CDC, UNF, UNICEF, and WHO. The partnership is dedicated to reducing global measles deaths and preventing rubella illness.

India’s Unwavering Commitment to Public Health

The accolade celebrates India’s steadfast commitment to public health and its remarkable leadership in curbing the spread of measles and rubella among children. The award also recognizes India’s regional leadership in the measles and rubella elimination program, utilizing ‘measles as a tracer’ to strengthen routine immunization under the country’s Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).

Progress Despite Challenges

India has made significant strides in reducing measles and rubella cases and preventing outbreaks, despite facing numerous challenges. The country’s progress can be attributed to a series of comprehensive interventions, including:

Proactive MR vaccination campaigns in high-risk areas
Innovative strategies to reach underserved populations
Robust surveillance systems
Effective public-awareness initiatives
These measures have played a crucial role in safeguarding the health and well-being of India’s population

Dedication of Frontline Workers and Policymakers

The award is a testament to the tireless efforts and dedication of India’s frontline health workers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and communities across the nation. Their hard work has resulted in impressive achievements, with 50 districts consistently reporting no measles cases and 226 districts reporting no rubella cases over the past 12 months.

Measles and Rubella Elimination

Measles and Rubella are vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), and the MR vaccine has been part of India’s Universal Immunization Programme since 2017. The Government of India is working diligently towards eliminating measles and rubella from the country.

The Measles and Rubella Champion Award is a well-deserved recognition of India’s exemplary efforts in combating these infectious diseases. The award highlights the country’s unwavering commitment to public health, the dedication of its frontline workers and policymakers, and the effectiveness of its comprehensive interventions. As India continues to make significant strides in eliminating measles and rubella, this award serves as a reminder of the importance of sustained efforts in protecting the health and well-being of its citizens.

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