EXPANDED PROGRAMME ON IMMUNIZATION (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: The year 2024 recently commemorates the 50th anniversary of the World Health Organization's Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), representing a pivotal moment for global and Indian immunization efforts.

Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI)

• About: The EPI was launched in 1974 by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a global initiative.
• Mandate: EPI aimed to ensure equitable access to life-saving vaccines for every child worldwide, irrespective of their geographic location or socioeconomic status.
• Smallpox Eradication Momentum: EPI built upon the success of the smallpox eradication effort, aiming to extend similar achievements to other vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Evolution into EPI: Over time, EPI transformed into the Essential Programme on Immunization, broadening its scope to encompass comprehensive immunization efforts for individuals of all ages.
• Initial Focus: Initially, EPI targeted protection against six childhood illnesses, including tuberculosis, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, and measles.
• Expansion of Vaccines: There are now 13 vaccines (antigens) recommended by WHO for the EPI programme. They are: Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), Hepatitis B (HepB), polio, measles, rubella, pneumococcal disease (PNC), rotavirus (Rota), human papillomavirus (HPV), and COVID-19 (for adults).