National Conclave celebrates two years of India’s COVID-19 vaccination campaign

A compendium capturing best practices from COVID-19 vaccination was also launched at the Conclave

Marking the two year milestone of the country’s COVID-19 vaccination programme, a recently held National Conclave showcased innovative interventions of the MoHFW and more than 33 state health departments, which were deployed with support from partner organisations including USAID, to increase the COVID-19 vaccination coverage in India.

India’s COVD-19 vaccination programme is now acknowledged as the largest in the world with more than 220 crore doses, covering upwards of 90 per cent of India’s adult population.

Addressing the Conclave, Dr Ashok Babu, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare explained that the Conclave was titled, Power of the Collective “as the country believed in Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas.”

Dr Manohar Agnani, Former Additional Secretary, MoHFW; Patricia A. Lacina, Deputy Chief of Mission, US Embassy; Dr Seth Berkley, CEO, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance; Dr Veena Dhawan, Additional Commissioner (immunisation), MoHFW; Sangita Patel, Director, Health Office, USAID; Dr Sanjay Kapur, Managing Director, John Snow India were amongst the dignitaries at the Conclave.

“Our whole-of-society approach is well-reflected in many of the initiatives which were showcased today at the Conclave. Vulnerable groups, be it the transgender community or the elderly, need our support. I congratulate the state immunisation officers and COVID-19 warriors who have persevered and ensured vaccines reach the last mile,” said Dr. Babu.

The Conclave featured a photo exhibition showcasing the many innovative, disruptive ways in which India ensured vaccination at the last mile and a felicitation ceremony to recognise immunisation officials from states, COVID-19 warriors at the grassroots supporting the vaccination efforts and healthcare workers. A compendium capturing best practices from COVID-19 vaccination was also launched by Dr. Babu and other dignitaries.

Looking beyond this pandemic, Patricia A. Lacina, Deputy Chief of Mission, US Embassy remarked that the occasion served to not only celebrate the amazing effort that was put forth, but to ensure that the lessons we learned from this pandemic are used to prevent and combat the next one.”

The panels discussed at the Conclave covered a range of topics including ‘Reflection on India’s COVID-19 response and learnings to transform India into a global leader in healthcare to achieve India@2047 vision’; ‘Strengthening India’s Health System through partnership and investment’; India’s community-driven approach to addressing a public health crisis’; and ‘Ushering in a multi-disciplinary approach to ensure high vaccine uptake and health equity’.