In 1974 expanded immunization programme was launched by WHO against Diphtheria, Pertusis, Tetanus, Polio, Tuberculosis and Measles in children.
In 1985 it was renamed as Universal Child Immunization (UCI) with the goal of universal immunization by 1990. Government of India started EPI in 1978.
Objective:
- Reducing morbidity and mortality due to six preventable diseases of childhood.
- Self sufficiency in production of vaccine. It was transformed into universal immunization programme in 1985.
Components:
- Immunization of pregnant woman against tetanus.
- Immunization of children in their first year of life.
Immunization services are done through health care delivery system like MCH, PHC, subcentres etc. There is no separate staff for immunization.
Significant achievements were made.
1985-1986 = 29% BCG and 41% DPT
By the end of 2002 = 82.9% of TT for pregnant woman, 81% of BCG, 70% of DPT and 70% of OPV.
There is percentage decline of poliomyelitis to 99.05%, Diphtheria 61.75%, Pertussis 82.36%, NNT (Neonatal Tetanus) 95.75%, and measles 81.70%.
Pulse polio programme
It was launched in 1995. Children under five years are given extra oral polio drops in December and January every year on fixed days.
Similarly Urban Measles Campaign was started in 1998. In 1999 - 2000,50 cities were covered with aim of vaccination children below 3 years with single dose of measles vaccine.
Neonatal tetanus elimination
This includes vaccination all woman in reproductive age group with 3 doses of TT.
