The journey of First Check is rooted in a strong belief in the power of credible and timely information. In public health, access to accurate, evidence-based information is essential to protect lives, guide communities, and strengthen health systems. First Check supports this effort by verifying online claims, debunking unscientific narratives, and expanding access to evidence based information, helping build public trust in science at a time when rising misinformation threatens confidence in vaccines, treatments, and public health interventions.

Every year, National Immunization Day offers a quiet reminder of what happens when science, public trust, and the collective will move in the same direction. The day traces its origins to a modest moment in 1995, when India administered the first dose of the Oral Polio Vaccine as part of a national campaign against a disease that had long haunted families across the country. What began as a single step soon transformed into one of the greatest public health victories in history and led to India being declared polio-free in March 2014 by WHO.

Immunization is far more than a standard medical intervention; it is a fundamental driver of efficiency, access, and resilience in our collective journey toward a Viksit Bharat. In a compelling reminder of our progress, the WHO  emphasizes that vaccines are both a human right and a public health triumph. This mission finds its strength at the intersection of policy and innovation, serving as a vibrant crucible for dialogue between the gatekeepers of regulation and the pioneers of technological change. 

By preventing number of deaths every year from diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, and measles, India’s Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) stands as one of the largest and most ambitious undertakings in the world, navigating the complex architecture required to scale health equity for a billion people.

The momentum of public health does not stop with immunization. As we approach the end of the month, we turn our focus to another critical battle: the fight against Tuberculosis. 

India remains steadfast in its commitment to eliminate TB by 2030, in line with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Although the country achieved a 21% decline in TB incidence between 2015 and 2024, almost twice the global average, the challenge continues to be substantial. India still accounts for about 25% of the world’s TB cases, making it clear that reaching the 2030 elimination target will require another level of collaboration and collective action.

In support of this national mission, First Check is  hosting a high-impact webinar titled From Awareness to Action: India’s TB Elimination Roadmap. On the eve of World TB Day, this dialogue will bring together a distinguished panel of government representatives, clinical experts, researchers, and community advocates. The conversation will focus on addressing misinformation surrounding tuberculosis, strengthening awareness and early detection, and confronting the social and economic stigma that often delays diagnosis and disrupts treatment. By fostering informed dialogue and shared commitment, the session aims to contribute to a more coordinated and evidence-driven approach to ending TB in India.

Event Details

Date: 23 March 2026

Time: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM IST

Objective: To launch a multi-stakeholder action platform committed to a TB-free India.