Unicef SOWC figures show the immunisation coverage for India much lower than that of neighbouring countries- Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan. All public health persons share a common concern of protecting children’s lives by vaccination against six killer diseases (TB, Polio, Diptheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Measles), which are still leading to child deaths in the scenario of 50% of the districts in India having less than 50 % complete immunization coverage (DLHS II 2002-04). The results are corroborated by National Family health survey III 2005-06. However, the drop in immunisation cover seems to be a universal phenomenon, with Tamil Nadu showing a drop from 89 per cent during NFHS 2 to 81 per cent in NFHS 3; Maharashtra showing a drop from 78 per cent to 59 per cent and Himachal Pradesh going from 83 per cent to 74 per cent.
We are worried deeply about decline in immunization coverage in India & invite and encourage all stakeholders to openly share their views:

The recent 2006 Unicef coverage Evaluation survey reports figures of 87.3& for BCG and 70.9 & for measles. This is encouraging..[lets us triangualte the report with the about to be released DLHS III report].
But the current vaccine shortage (after suspension of licences of PSUs)may have undone a lot of the gains.

INTRADERMAL CLINIC WAS STARTED IN SHIMLA AND PARTICIPATION IN NATIONAL CONFERENCE AT KERELA TO DRAFT GUIDELINES.. BUT MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE TO UPSCALE THIS..SADLY THE WORLD RABIES DAY DID NOT ADVOCATE FOR THE COST EFFECTIVE 1/D APPROACH.
...WE ALSO NEED TO LOOK INTO INJECTION SAFETY ISSUES.. AEFI SURVEILANCE..

Those involved at various levels can share their experiences, innovative strategies and constraints. It also aims to establish linkages between researchers/ social scientists/ activists/ NGOs for practical implementation of policies envisioned.