The Union Health Minister inaugurated the National 'Zero Measles-Rubella' Elimination Campaign for 2025–26

A national initiative aimed at eradicating measles and rubella, two highly infectious viral diseases that primarily impact children. Initiated by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of the Government of India, the objective is to achieve zero transmission of these diseases by 2026, ensuring over 95% vaccination coverage across all districts.

The campaign features extensive information, education, and communication (IEC) efforts in various languages, data-driven monitoring through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and the U-WIN digital platform, and targeted vaccination efforts in high-risk areas such as slums, remote locations, and migrant communities.

India’s progress in this endeavor was recognized with the Measles and Rubella Champion Award in 2024. The 'ACT NOW' approach serves as a mobilization strategy designed to enhance campaign results through community engagement and swift action, incorporating active surveillance via IDSP, local community involvement through panchayats and media, and focused outreach in urban slums and areas prone to outbreaks, all driven by an urgent implementation strategy with real-time response capabilities.