Odisha Health and Family Welfare Minister, Dr. Mukesh Mahaling, on Tuesday launched a comprehensive set of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials aimed at accelerating the Measles and Rubella (MR) elimination programme in the state.
The launch was part of the celebrations for World Immunization Week 2025, observed globally from April 24–30 under the theme: “Immunization for all is humanly possible”, with the goal of strengthening public health and safeguarding future generations.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Mahaling reaffirmed Odisha’s unwavering commitment to eliminating Measles and Rubella by 2026 — in alignment with India’s national target.
Highlighting Odisha’s outstanding performance in child healthcare, Dr. Mahaling proudly shared that the state has achieved a remarkable 90.5 percent full immunization coverage — the highest among all Indian states — according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5).
This milestone, he said, is a testament to the dedication of healthcare workers, community support, and strong inter-departmental coordination.
He emphasized that the success of the MR elimination mission depends on a collaborative approach involving multiple government departments.
Dr. Mahaling appealed for the active participation of parents, caregivers, Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, PRI members, community leaders, NGOs, SHGs, and civil society to help create a grassroots movement for immunization awareness and action.
He urged all stakeholders to work together to make Odisha a Measles-Rubella-free state — a shining model of public health excellence for the entire nation.
The event also paid tribute to India’s immunization milestones, including the eradication of smallpox in 1977, the country’s polio-free status since 2014, and the elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus in 2015.
