Mumbai: In a bid to educate people about the importance of vaccinating their children against diseases, actor Kareena Kapoor Khan has become campaign ambassador for Swasth Immunised India - a nationwide vaccination and immunisation campaign. 

Launched by Serum Institute of India, one of the world’s largest vaccine manufacturers in association with Network18, the campaign will focus on building a robust network to spread awareness regarding the need of childhood immunisation leading to a healthier India.

 

Speaking about the campaign, Kareena said, “Swasth Immunised India is a great initiative to promote and educate families on the importance of vaccination and providing a healthy life to children. This cause is extremely close to my heart as being a mother, I value the importance of immunizing my child from dangerous diseases. Due to lack of accessibility and affordability our country still witnesses the largest number of infant deaths. It is high time that we come together and take it upon us to be the changemakers. I am really excited and feel honoured to be a part of this journey with Adar and Natasha Poonawalla's Serum Institute and Network18. I hope that through this campaign we are able to educate and influence every parent leading to a healthier India.”

The year-long campaign will witness Kareena advocating the urgency and need of vaccination among the marginalized sections of the society. Vaccination is the most cost-effective method to tackle life-threatening diseases. In recent past India has successfully eradicated Polio and Small Pox via prevention and as a nation, the same must be carried forward for other illnesses. However, at present India still losses its children and expectant mothers to vaccine-preventable diseases such as Measles, Diphtheria, etc. In addition, despite of its proactive approach India still hosts the highest number of unvaccinated (56%) and incompletely vaccinated children (32%).

 

Commenting on the campaign, Adar Poonawalla, CEO, Serum Institute of India said, “Swasth Immunised India is a step towards the goal of a completely immunised India. The campaign’s core objective is to address the persistent problem of miscommunication regarding vaccination and immunisation in our country thereby encouraging the people to participate and administer necessary vaccinations to infants, children and expectant mothers. Being a parent with a strong personality, conviction and a liberal mind, Kareena Kapoor Khan’s support will help us penetrate into the deepest pockets of the country. We hope that as the voice of change, she can help influence the masses to understand and accept that vaccine administration is an important aspect of an infant’s growth.”