PM praises immunization programme, says it’s close to my heart

New Delhi: “I am pleased to note that India’s immunization programme, a subject close to my heart, is being featured as a success story in this forum,” remarked the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi while addressing the Partners’ Forum 2018 at New Delhi on 12th December.

Prime Minister praised the Mission Indradhanush, saying that it has reached 32.8 million children and 8.4 million pregnant women over the last three years. “We have also increased the number of vaccines under the universal immunization programme from 7 to 12. Our vaccines now cover life threatening diseases like- Pneumonia and Diarrhoea,” he added.

In his keynote address at the PMNCH Partners’ Forum, Prime Minister said that it is only partnerships that will help the government and other stakeholders to reach the set goals. “Partnerships between citizens, Partnerships between communities, Partnerships between countries. The Sustainable Development agenda is a reflection of this,” said Mr Modi.

“Countries have moved beyond stand-alone efforts. They are committed to empowering communities, improving health and education, ending poverty and spurring boosting economic growth and ultimately, leaving no one behind.The health of mothers will determine the health of the children and the health of children will determine the health of our tomorrow,” he said.

The Prime Minister appreciated the gathering to discuss and deliberate ways to improve the health and well-being of mothers and children. “The out-come of our discussions today will have a great impact on our tomorrow,” he said in his speech.

“As the world searches for new ways to ensure rapid growth, ensuring good health of women is one of the best ways of doing so.We have achieved a lot of progress in the last few years. A lot yet remains to be done. From bigger budgets to better out-comes, and from mind-set change to monitoring, there is lots to be done,” Mr Modi said.

Prime Minister pointed out that when the Millennium Development Goals were agreed on, India had one of the world’s highest mortality rates for women and children. “With sustained momentum, and a faster rate of decline during the last few years, India is on course to attend the SDG targets for maternal and child health, much ahead of the agreed date of 2030.”

“India was one of the first countries, to advocate focused attention on adolescence and implement an extensive health promotion and prevention programme for adolescents. Our effort ensured that they get their due recognition in the Global Strategy for Women’s Children’s and Adolescents’ Health adopted in 2015,” PM Modi said further.

“I am pleased to note that Latin America and Caribbean region and India will be show-casing adaptations of the global strategy during the course of this Forum. I hope that these adaptations will inspire other countries and regions to develop similar strategies,” Prime Minister said.