Lucknow, August 25, 2025 – In a big win for child health, Uttar Pradesh has made huge strides in cutting down the number of “zero dose” children, those who haven’t received a single vaccine in their first year of life. The state government’s all-out push to get kids vaccinated is paying off, with a steady drop in these numbers over the past few years. From 2.36 lakh zero-dose children in 2022-23, the count fell to 1.73 lakh in 2023-24, and now sits at 1.29 lakh in 2024-25, showing a clear win for the state’s health efforts. This progress is saving lives and giving hope to families across UP.
The state’s vaccination campaigns, backed by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision, have been a game-changer. Over 28 lakh vaccination sessions happen every year, reaching about 67 lakh pregnant women and 57 lakh young kids. The focus has been on finding kids who’ve never had a shot, especially in 60 key districts picked out using data from the National Family Health Survey-5. These areas, often remote villages or crowded urban slums, had the highest numbers of unvaccinated kids, making them a priority for the “Zero Dose Campaign” that kicked off in 2022.
Parth Sarathi Sen Sharma, Principal Secretary of Health and Family Welfare, said the goal is simple: no child should miss out on vaccines. “We’re working hard to reach every family, from far-off villages to city settlements. Vaccines are the best way to keep kids safe and healthy,” he told reporters. The results are clear, fewer babies are dying, with neonatal deaths dropping steadily over the past eight years. Dr. Ajay Gupta, the state’s immunization officer, said UP is leading the charge among 11 states in this nationwide effort, thanks to strong teamwork with groups like WHO, UNICEF, and GAVI.
The stakes are high. Kids without vaccines face scary risks from diseases like measles, polio, diphtheria, and whooping cough, which can kill or cause lifelong problems like paralysis. Dr. Salman, a senior pediatrician, explained that unvaccinated kids not only suffer themselves but can also spark outbreaks that hurt whole communities. That’s why UP’s campaign doesn’t just vaccinate, it also tackles myths and fears about shots. Health workers are trained round the clock using the RISE app, and records are now digital through the U-WIN platform to keep things on track.
But it’s not all smooth sailing. UP still has one of the highest numbers of zero-dose kids in India, alongside states like Bihar and Maharashtra. Poverty, low education among mothers, and vaccine hesitancy in some communities, especially among Muslims and Scheduled Tribes, keep the numbers up. The COVID-19 pandemic also set things back, with disruptions causing a spike in unvaccinated kids in 2021. Still, the state’s focus on reaching tough spots like tribal areas and urban slums is making a difference.
Locals are noticing the change. In villages like Hardoi, mothers say health workers now come to their doorsteps, explaining why vaccines matter. “My baby got all her shots on time, and she’s healthy,” said Rani, a mother of two. The state’s work is also getting praise online, with posts calling it a “life-saving mission.”
As UP pushes to wipe out zero-dose cases completely, the government is doubling down. New model vaccination centers are popping up, and seven-day-a-week shots are now available in cities. With India aiming to halve zero-dose kids by 2030 under WHO’s plan, UP’s efforts are a big step forward. For now, the state’s hard work is giving kids a shot at a healthier future.
