The National Zero Measles-Rubella Elimination Campaign (2025-26) has been launched on World Immunization Week (24-30 April), under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP). 

• It aims to eliminate Measles and Rubella (M-R) in India by 2026 through 100% immunization coverage. 

Key Progress in M-R Elimination 

• Vaccination Coverage & Disease Reduction: As per 2024–25, India’s M-R vaccination coverage is more than 90% for the two doses of M-R vaccine provided under UIP.  
  • In 2024, measles cases dropped by 73% and rubella cases by 17% compared to 2023. 
• Target & Strategy: India aims to eliminate measles and rubella by 2026, focusing on achieving >95% coverage, strengthening surveillance, ensuring quick outbreak response, and addressing vaccine hesitancy through awareness campaigns. 
• International Recognition: India received the M-R Champion Award (2024) from the M-R Partnership for its significant efforts in disease elimination. 

Measles & Rubella 

• M-R are contagious viral diseases affecting mainly children. Measles, caused by the Morbillivirus (RNA virus), is highly infectious and can lead to severe complications including death.  
• Rubella, caused by the rubella virus, is milder but poses a serious risk during pregnancy, potentially leading to Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) with birth defects like deafness and heart abnormalities.  
• Both diseases cause red rashes and are preventable through the M-R vaccine.