Gavi team reviews immunisation efforts for zero-dose children

Pune is among the four districts in Maharashtra—along with Mumbai, Thane, and Nashik—that have a significant number of zero-dose children, officials said

A team of officials from Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (Gavi) on Monday met Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) health officials and civil society organisations (CSOs) appointed by UNICEF to address vaccine hesitancy, improve awareness about immunisation, and increase social accountability for vaccination. They reviewed the progress of immunisation efforts for zero-dose children under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP).

As per officials, the visiting team has directed PMC to make changes in the frequency of immunisation reports, with suggestions to shift from quarterly to monthly reporting. (REPRESENTATIVE PIC)

Pune is among the four districts in Maharashtra—along with Mumbai, Thane, and Nashik—that have a significant number of zero-dose children, officials said.

“In October 2024, PMC and CSOs covered six urban primary health centres (UPHCs), including Baner Wasti Clinic, Ramtekdi and Kondhwa. Immunisation coverage for zero-dose and dropout children has increased by 42% under the drive,” said Dr Rajesh Dighe, city immunisation officer and assistant health officer, PMC.

As per officials, the visiting team has directed PMC to make changes in the frequency of immunisation reports, with suggestions to shift from quarterly to monthly reporting. The team visited the district cold chain depot to ensure proper storage and distribution of vaccines.