Union Health Minister Shri J P Nadda launches National Zero Measles-Rubella Elimination Campaign on the occasion of World Immunization Week Measles-Rubella elimination campaign 2025-26 marks an opportunity to achieve 100% immunization coverage to provide high quality life to children by administering them with two doses of Measles and Rubella vaccine: Shri J P Nadda
“332 districts across the country have reported zero Measles cases and 487 districts have reported zero Rubella cases during January- March 2025 which underscores the progress achieved in the goal of M-R elimination”
“With the ‘ACT NOW’ policy, we have to target the elimination of M-R in the same way as Polio and Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus elimination was achieved, so that no child is left behind”
Currently India’s MR vaccination coverage stands at 93.7% for the first dose and 92.2% for the second dose, as per 2024-25 HMIS data
Posted On: 24 APR 2025 2:26PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda today virtually launched the National Zero Measles-Rubella Elimination campaign 2025-26 on the first day of the World Immunization Week (24-30 April), marking a significant step towards India’s goal of eliminating Measles and Rubella by 2026.
On the occasion, Union Health Minister released multi-language M-R IEC materials (posters, radio jingles, MR elimination and official U-WIN launch film) for creating awareness in the communities. These IEC materials were also shared with all States/UTs for adaptation and rollout during the MR Elimination Campaign 2025-26.
Addressing the occasion, Shri J P Nadda stated that, “today is momentous occasion as the launch of Measles-Rubella elimination campaign 2025-26 marks an opportunity to achieve 100% immunization coverage to provide high quality lifestyle to children by administering them with the two doses of Measles and Rubella vaccine.” Noting that this disease is of a highly contagious nature that hampers not only children’s life but also cause misery to their parents, Shri Nadda underlined the importance of ensuring that not even a single child is left behind.
The Union Health Minister congratulated the Ministry for getting recognition with the prestigious Measles and Rubella Champion Award by the Measles and Rubella Partnership in 2024. He highlighted that “332 districts in the country have reported zero measles cases and 487 districts have reported zero rubella cases during January- March 2025 which underscores the progress achieved in the goal of M-R elimination.”
Shri Nadda highlighted the need for keeping the IDSP activated and strengthening surveillance. “We have to target the elimination of M-R in the same way as Polio and Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus elimination was achieved”, he stated. He urged the states and UTs to be attentive, alert, and proactive and work with a ‘ACT NOW’ policy.
Shri Nadda also urged the State Ministers and Chief Medical Officers to hold public and press meetings where people at large can be informed about the vaccination drive through active Jan Bhagidari. He also called upon States for an inclusive participation of all MLAs, MPs, local and Panchayat heads to spread awareness about the vaccination against Measles and Rubella. He also urged the frontline workers to reach out to remote and hard to reach areas, slums, migratory population, areas with frequent outbreaks. “We have to reach out to people in the last mile to ensure that we achieve 100% coverage”, he stated. He also emphasized on the need for coordinating with line ministries. He concluded his address by stating that “if we work and act from today, we will be able to achieve success tomorrow.”
Background:
Measles and Rubella are highly infectious viral diseases that can lead to serious illnesses, lifelong complications, and even death. Due to their high infection rate, India has set a goal to eliminate these diseases by 2026. Under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), two doses of the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine are provided free of cost to all eligible children, at 9-12 months and 16-24 months of age, respectively. Currently, India’s MR vaccination coverage stands at 93.7% for the first dose (2024-25 HMIS data) and 92.2% for the second dose.
In 2024, India has recorded a remarkable decline of 73% in Measles cases and a 17% reduction in Rubella cases in comparison with 2023.
India’s plan for eliminating measles and rubella includes a comprehensive framework:
Immunization: Achieve and maintain high population immunity with > 95% vaccination coverage with 2 doses of measles and rubella containing vaccines in each district of the country.
Surveillance: Sustain a sensitive and timely case-based surveillance system for measles & rubella.
Outbreaks: Ensure adequate preparedness and timely response to measles and rubella outbreaks.
Linkages: Strengthen support and linkages to achieve the above strategic objectives.
Demand Generation for Vaccination: Focused mass awareness campaigns to mitigate the risks of non-vaccination and dispel myths related to MR vaccine for addressing vaccine hesitancy and increasing coverage.
In recognition of country’s exceptional efforts in prevention of Measles and Rubella, India was awarded the prestigious Measles and Rubella Champion Award by the Measles and Rubella Partnership at the American Red Cross Headquarters in Washington D.C. on March 6, 2024.
Under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), India runs world’s largest vaccination programme for pregnant women and children – reaching out to 2.9 crore pregnant women and 2.6 crore newborns annually. This provides protection against 12 vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) such as Polio, Measles, Rubella, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Rotavirus diarrhoea, Hepatitis B among others. U-WIN digital platform for vaccination, launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister is being utilized extensively to record vaccination events, generate vaccination certificate and book appointment for vaccination across the country.
India’s Universal Immunization Programme, has been instrumental in reducing mortality rates and controlling infectious diseases among children under five years of age. From 2014 to 2020, under-5 mortality rates dropped from 45 to 32 per 1,000 live births (Sample Registration System – 2020). Since 2014, under UIP, over 6 new vaccines have been introduced including MR vaccine.
Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava, Union Health Secretary; Dr Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, Dept. of Health Research and DG, ICMR; Smt. Aradhana Patnaik, Addl. Secretary and Mission Director (NHM), Union Health Ministry; Smt. Meera Srivastava, Joint Secretary, Union Health Ministry, Additional Commissioner (Immunization), Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries (Health), Mission Directors (NHM) and State Immunization Officers from States/UTs had joined the virtual launch event.
*****
MV
HFW/HFM MR Elimination Campaign Launch/24 April 2025/1
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Tender results of 1-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds A total of RMB1.5 billion 1-year Government Bonds were offered today. A total of RMB11.140 billion tender applications were received. The bid-to-cover ratio, i.e. the ratio of bonds applied for to bonds issued, is 7.43. The average price accepted is 100.05, implying an annualised yield of 1.686 per cent.
HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds Tender Results
Tender results of 1-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds:
Tender Date* Calculated as the amount of bonds applied for over the amount of bonds issued.
Note: The yields stated above are annualised yields. For reference, the semi-annualised yields corresponding to the average price accepted, lowest price accepted, and average tender price are 1.679 per cent, 1.710 per cent, and 1.796 per cent respectively. Issued at HKT 16:56
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
In support of World Immunisation Week organised by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the last week of April every year, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (April 24) reminded the public that timely vaccinations can safeguard individual and community health from serious threats posed by vaccine-preventable diseases.
“Immunisation is a safe and effective public health measure. Over the past 50 years, vaccines are effective against diseases that have saved more than 150 million lives worldwide. Hong Kong has long been providing vaccinations for children since the 1950s. Building on the WHO’s Expanded Programme on Immunisation and scientific evidence, the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme has been making continuous progress in terms of vaccine variety, vaccination schedules and service network coverage. With the support of parents, schools and the healthcare sector, Hong Kong maintains a very high vaccination coverage rate, which not only keeps most of the vaccine-preventable diseases under control, but also contributed to the eradication of smallpox and poliomyelitis in Hong Kong in 1980 and 2000 respectively, followed by successful elimination of measles and rubella (German measles) in Hong Kong in 2016 and 2021 respectively. In addition, the DH has been actively adopting a public-private partnership approach in providing vaccination services through private doctors to help parents and children receive the vaccines to increase the overall vaccination coverage. Taking the seasonal influenza vaccine as an example, the uptake rate of the vaccine for most age groups in the current season has increased as compared with the previous one,” the Controller of the CHP of the DH, Dr Edwin Tsui said.
The Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases (SCVPD) under the CHP makes recommendations on vaccines for different groups (e.g. children, pregnant women, the elderly etc) based on local epidemiology and the latest scientific evidence from a public health perspective. With reference to the recommendations of the SCVPD, the Government provides different types of vaccines and boosters for children from birth to Primary Six to protect them from 12 communicable diseases, as well as other vaccination services such as seasonal influenza vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine, and the COVID-19 vaccines for people in high-risk groups to boost their immunity and reduce the risk of infection or severe complications.
“Due to a drop in vaccination coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a recent resurgence of outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases outside Hong Kong. For example, measles cases in Europe, the United States and neighboring countries, such as Japan, Vietnam and Cambodia, are on the rise, where children who have not yet completed their vaccinations or have unknown vaccination status were mainly affected. For pertussis, the number of cases reported in Japan, the United States and New Zealand this year are also higher than that of the same period in previous years, with most of the affected cases being infants and adolescents, underscoring the importance of timely vaccinations for maintaining a high vaccination rate and herd immunity,” Dr Tsui said.
He reminded the public to make sure that they have completed their required immunisation if they plan to visit places with outbreaks or high incidences of vaccine-preventable diseases. Anyone who has not completed immunisation or with an unknown vaccination history should consult his/her family doctor at least two weeks before travelling.
The incubation period of measles is seven to 21 days. Symptoms include fever, skin rash, cough, runny nose and red eyes. While for pertussis, the infected person may initially be sneezing and have a runny nose, a low-grade fever and a mild cough. The cough gradually becomes more severe and may even lead to seizures and coma in severe cases. If such symptoms appear after returning from places where measles and pertussis are endemic, people should wear surgical masks, stay home from work or school, avoid crowded places and seek medical advice as soon as possible.
For more information on the World Immunisation Week 2025, please visit the CHP website.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), as representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR Government), announced that a tender for 3-year HKD institutional Government Bonds (issue number 03GB2804001) under the Infrastructure Bond Programme was held today (April 24).
A total of HK$4.5 billion 3-year Government Bonds were offered today. A total of HK$11.163 billion tender applications were received. The bid-to-cover ratio, i.e. the ratio of bonds applied for to bonds issued, is 2.48. The average price accepted is 100.08, implying an annualised yield of 2.751 per cent.
HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds Tender Results
Tender results of 3-year HKD HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds:
Tender Date
:
April 24, 2025
Issue Number
:
03GB2804001
Stock Code
:
4291 (HKGB 2.76 2804)
Issue and Settlement Date
:
April 25, 2025
Tenor
:
3 years
Maturity Date
:
April 25, 2028
Coupon Rate
:
2.76 per cent
Amount Applied
:
HK$11.163 billion
Amount Allotted
:
HK$4.5 billion
Bid-to-Cover Ratio*
:
2.48
Average Price Accepted (Yield)
:
100.08 (2.751 per cent)
Lowest Price Accepted (Yield)
:
99.99 (2.783 per cent)
Pro-rata Ratio
:
About 34 per cent
Average Tender Price (Yield)
:
99.88 (2.821 per cent)
* Calculated as the amount of bonds applied for over the amount of bonds issued.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) unveiled 18 breakthrough R&D achievements today at the “TARC Pavilion” during 2025 E-Mobility Taiwan Exhibition. In collaboration with 28 industry partners, the showcased technologies spotlight Taiwan’s advancements in AI integration and electrification for smart mobility. The initiative emphasizes not only research excellence but also real-world industrial applications-demonstrating Taiwan’s growing influence in the global smart vehicle ecosystem.
With AI technology rapidly reshaping mobility, this year’s TARC Pavilion focuses on autonomous driving innovations. A highlight of the showcase is the “Level 3 AI self-driving and cybersecurity Integration” developed by the Automotive Research & Testing Center (ARTC), which brings together the expertise of local leaders including Elan, oToBrite, ASUS, DFI, Arcadyan, Chimei Automotive, and Rotatech. This system combines AI-enabled smart driving, intelligent cockpit monitoring, and cybersecurity, and has powered the world’s first Level 3 autonomous electric bus certified under UN R157 regulation-marking a significant step toward safer, smarter mobility.
The integrated system enables advanced features such as self-navigation, lane changing, and obstacle avoidance. It also includes real-time driver monitoring using facial and posture recognition. If a driver becomes unresponsive, the vehicle safely pulls over and alerts backend operators. With OTA (over-the-air) update capabilities and robust cybersecurity, the system is positioned to lead Taiwan’s smart vehicle supply chain onto the international stage.
Another highlight is the Industrial Technology Research Institute’s (ITRI) “Smart Charging Management and Dispatch System,”which has revolutionized electric bus charging methods. Representing a global first in applying fleet charging and dispatch to smart city energy management, this AI-powered solution optimizes power usage and spatial efficiency at depots, as successfully demonstrated in collaboration with Chung Hsing Bus Company and applied at Taipei’s Beitou Shilin Technology Park Depot, Taiwan’s largest electric bus operation center. It enables flexible charging schedules based on each vehicle’s battery level, route, and timetable-significantly reducing electricity contract demand, saving approximately 30% in manpower and operating costs, and extending battery lifespan. The system also features AI-based remote monitoring to prevent risks like overheating or short circuits, thereby boosting overall fleet efficiency.
Both technologies received 2025 Edison Awards, a testament to Taiwan’s innovation prowess in the global smart mobility arena.
In addition, CMC (China Motor Corporation) presented the ET35, Taiwan’s first mass-produced 3.5-ton intelligent electric commercial vehicle. Designed and manufactured entirely with components sourced from local suppliers-with a localization rate of over 90%-the ET35 features domestically developed ADAS Level 2, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, and cloud-based data integration. This all-in-one solution supports enterprise-level decarbonization and smart logistics, and is slated for mass production in Q3 2025.
The TARC Pavilion will run through April 26 on the 4th floor of Hall 1, Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center. Visitors from industry, government, and academia are welcome to explore the forefront of Taiwan’s smart mobility innovation at E-Mobility Taiwan.
Acting Chief Executive Paul Lam today met members of a visiting ASEAN-China Joint Cooperation Committee delegation.
They discussed deepening co-operation between Hong Kong and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states as well as issues of mutual concern.
Mr Lam welcomed the delegation, noting that Hong Kong has maintained close trade and economic ties with ASEAN, with ASEAN being the city’s second-largest trading partner for a long time.
He said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government launched the Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Invited Persons last month, providing more convenient immigration arrangements for ASEAN invitees.
The new measure promotes economic and trade exchanges as well as cultural co-operation between Hong Kong and ASEAN, furthering deepening ties between the two places, Mr Lam added.
He also introduced Hong Kong’s advantages and development opportunities to the delegation members.
He highlighted the city’s distinctive advantage of enjoying the motherland’s strong support while being closely connected to the world under the “one country, two systems” principle, and has long played the important role of a “super connector” and “super value-adder”.
Furthermore, as the only common law jurisdiction in China, Hong Kong has the unique advantage of having a well-established legal system alongside top-tier legal and dispute resolution services.
Mr Lam encouraged enterprises from ASEAN member states to leverage Hong Kong as a platform to explore overseas and Mainland markets through its professional services, thereby achieving mutual benefits.
During the delegation’s visit to Hong Kong on April 23 and 24, members will meet Principal Officials, the Legislative Council (LegCo) President and representatives of other major institutions as well as visiting Super Terminal 1 and LegCo.
The Buildings Department approved five building plans in February – two on Hong Kong Island, two in Kowloon and one in the New Territories.
Three of the plans approved were for apartment and apartment/commercial developments, one was for factory and industrial development, and one was for community services development.
Consent was given for works to start on 11 building projects. Combined, these will provide 15,150 sq m of gross floor area for domestic, and 24,868 sq m of gross floor area for non-domestic use.
The department also received notification of commencement in relation to superstructure works for four building projects.
Furthermore, it issued 17 occupation permits – four on Hong Kong Island, five in Kowloon and eight in the New Territories.
The buildings certified for occupation comprise 102,564 sq m of gross floor area for domestic use, involving 1,624 units, and 47,163 sq m for non-domestic use.
Meanwhile, the department received 3,483 reports about unauthorised building works in February and issued 560 removal orders.
Ballots were drawn today to determine the priority ranking of applications under the Housing Authority’s White Form Secondary Market Scheme (WSM) 2024.
The authority’s Subsidised Housing Committee Chairman Cleresa Wong officiated at a ballot ceremony. The results are available on the scheme’s dedicated webpage.
The Subsidised Housing Committee said in January that beginning from WSM 2024 the number of places on offer will be increased by 1,500 to 6,000. All of the additional places will be allocated to applicants aged below 40.
The authority said that of the applications received under WSM 2024, over 80% came from young applicants applying to the newly implemented WSM Youth Scheme.
The authority estimates that approval letters will be issued to successful applicants in the third or fourth quarter of this year, paving the way for them to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility to Purchase.
The certificates can be used by applicants to purchase a flat within the one-year validity period.
The Bureau of Industrial Parks (BIP) under the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) held an inauguration and oath-taking ceremony for BIP’s new Director General on March 26. The ceremony was presided over by MOEA Vice Minister Chien-Hsin Lai, during which outgoing Acting Director General Chi-Chuan Liu handed over the official seal to incoming Director General Chih-Ching Yang. Director General Yang will continue to lead efforts in upgrading and transforming technology industrial parks and industrial parks, with a strong focus on sustainable operations and effective management.
Director General Yang holds a master’s degree in business administration from the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology. He began his public service career at the grassroots level in industrial services. He has served as Division Director and Deputy Director General of the Industrial Development Bureau, Chief Secretary of the MOEA, and most recently as Director-General of the Industrial Development Administration. Known for his solid academic background, strong execution skills, and proactive leadership, Director General Yang has led the Industrial Development Administration team of MOEA’s renowned “steel battalion” in advancing key initiatives such as amendments to the Industrial Innovation Act, industrial value enhancement, medical supply preparedness during the pandemic, and the dual transformation toward smart and low-carbon development. He is widely recognized in the industry as a key force in promoting sustainable park development.
The Bureau of Industrial Parks oversees 80 parks across Taiwan. Vice Minister Lai encouraged the bureau to continue pursuing three major tasks: providing high-quality industrial spaces to support the “Five Trusted Industries”; advancing the “Extraterritorial Equivalent to Domestic” policy to expand Taiwan’s industrial reach; and implementing the “Balanced Taiwan” strategy to deepen local industrial clusters, thereby accelerating economic policy implementation.
Director General Yang stated that building on existing foundations, he will drive optimization and innovation in park development through three core visions:
Smart – Promoting AI integration across industries
Safe – Creating secure and high-quality investment environments
Sustainable – Developing low-carbon, green, and sustainable parks
He emphasized the importance of public-private collaboration, listening to industry voices, and leveraging government support resources to create industrial bases aligned with the needs of emerging technologies. These efforts aim to accelerate industrial development and ensure the long-term sustainability of the parks.
Spokesman: Mr. Liu Chi-Chuan (Deputy Director General, BIP)
Contact Number: 886-7-3613349, 0911363680
Email: lcc12@bip.gov.tw
To prepare for the official events of the 15th National Games (NG) to be staged in November, a basketball test event will be held at the Hong Kong Coliseum in Hung Hom this Saturday and Sunday.
The Basketball (Men’s U22) test event will be held from 2pm to 6.30pm on both days, with the participation of four basketball teams – the Hong Kong A1 Division Championship basketball teams Hong Kong Eastern, Winling and Tycoon, as well as the Hong Kong Men’s U22 representative team.
Admission tickets have been distributed through the Basketball Association of Hong Kong, China and the Eastern Sports Club.
Those who possess a ticket may enter the venue for the event upon completion of a security check starting from 12.30pm on the event days.
The test event is organised by the National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong) and co-organised by the Basketball Association of Hong Kong, China and the Eastern Sports Club, with the Chinese Basketball Association as advisor.
Radio Television Hong Kong will provide a live webcast of the two-day event on its website and YouTube channel.