WHO felicitates India for MNTE and YAWs-free status

Union Health Minister receives official citation from WHO and UNICEF

India has been officially declared by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as the first country to be Yaws-free and was also validated for Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus Elimination (MNTE).

JP Nadda, Health and Family Welfare Minister, Government of India, while receiving the official citation from WHO and UNICEF, said, “Proud moment for India to have achieved these two momentous public health milestone. This accomplishment is significant for us as we have achieved this important milestone of being Yaws-free much before the set target of 2020.”

Following the success of polio eradication programme, these two achievements reflect the dedication of the country towards the achievement of health equity and universal health coverage and this has been possible due to the commitment and dedication of the lakhs of healthcare workers, various stakeholders and concerted efforts of planners and policy makers, the minister informed.

“We should sustain this achievement of MNTE by health system strengthening; high routine immunisation coverage and promotion of institutional, clean delivery and clean cord practices and effective surveillance system,” he said.

WHO certified India Yaws free in May this year. India is the first country under the 2012 WHO neglected tropical diseases (NTD) roadmap to eliminate Yaws, a disease known to affect the most underserved population.

“India’s focused approach on making maternal and newborn care accessible to all and addressing healthcare equity more generally has made these remarkable successes possible. These victories are not only for India but for the entire humanity as the country accounts for approximately one-sixth of the world’s population,” said Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia Region, after presenting the certificates to the Minister.

The Health Ministry is soon going to launch four new vaccines such as Rotavirus vaccine, IPV, Adult JE and Measles-Rubella in the country.