India celebrates National Vaccination Day on March 16

India observes National Vaccination Day on March 16 each year to emphasize the importance of vaccines in public health. This day marks the start of the Pulse Polio Immunisation Programme in 1995, which aimed to eradicate polio. The initiative led to India being declared polio-free by the World Health Organization in 2014. National Vaccination Day raises awareness about vaccines, honors healthcare workers, and promotes community participation in vaccination efforts. Vaccination drives have significantly improved public health in India, reducing diseases like measles and tetanus and enhancing child survival rates. These programs have also strengthened the healthcare infrastructure for delivering essential health services.