New Delhi, Oct 29 (FN Representative) Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) for children was launched under Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) by Centre on Friday. Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Mansukh Mandaviya on Friday launched the nationwide expansion of PCV under the UIP as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. The minister also released communication and awareness packages on PCV to create widespread mass awareness. “These communication packages will be shared with all States/UTs for further adaptation and utilization,” the ministry said. Addressing the nation-wide rollout, the Mandaviya said for the first time in the country, Pneumococcal Vaccine will be available for universal use.
He also said that vaccine will reduce the mortality among children by Pneumonia which is a leading cause of death among children under-5 years old, globally and in India. “Pneumonia caused by pneumococcus is the most common cause of severe pneumonia in children. In India around 16 percent of deaths in Children occur due to pneumonia. The nationwide rollout of PCV will reduce child mortality by around 60 percent”, the Union Health Minister stated. Highlighting the importance of healthy children in any country’s growth, productivity and development, the minister said that “children are the future of our country and it is our responsibility to provide them a healthy life.” Mandaviya also exhorted that creating awareness regarding the vaccine is a vital component.