Ghaziabad Launches Month-Long Vaccination Festival As MR Cases Rise; Officers To Face Action For Lapses

To curb the rising cases of Measles-Rubella (MR), the Ghaziabad Health department has decided to observe December 2025 as a Vaccination Festival (Tika Utsav). The city has made nodal officers directly accountable for any lapses in the immunisation of children aged zero to five years and pregnant women.

Acting on directives, Ghaziabad CMO Dr Akhilesh Mohan has appointed nodal officers for all major blocks: Dr Rajesh Tevatia (Loni), Dr Ravindra (Dasna), Dr Anurag Sanjog (Bhojpur), Dr Jitendra Singh (Muradnagar) and Dr RK Gupta (Urban area). These officers will conduct daily reviews of vaccination activities and ensure the effective implementation of all prescribed tasks.

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The move follows the reporting of 27 MR cases in the past eight months. In response, a survey of more than 7 lakh children will be undertaken to identify those who remain unvaccinated. A detailed list of zero-dose and missed-dose children will be prepared, and the names of negligent health workers will be recorded.

The officials will also participate in block-level evening review meetings held on routine immunisation days, monitoring activities such as surveys, action plans, vaccination progress, reporting, U-WIN updates and AEFI (Adverse Events Following Immunisation) management.

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According to a letter issued on November 26, 2025, by the Director-General of Family Welfare, the coverage of vaccines such as Penta-1, OPV and MR-1 in the district has been below standard. The Vaccination Festival aims to address gaps in immunisation amid a continuous rise in MR cases and high numbers of zero-dose children.

District Surveillance Indicators 2025