Under global smallpox eradication program, it was experienced that immunization is the most powerful and cost effective weapons for the prevention and control and even eradication of disease. So in may 1974, WHO officially launched a global immunization program, known as 'Expanded program of immunization' (EPI) for the prevention and control of six major, killer disease of children, namely tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, poliomyelitis and measles, all over the word.

These childhood disease are highly fatal 

Those children, who recover will have permanent sequelae

These disease are responsible for increased morbidity and mortality among children.

They are easily preventable by immunization

Available vaccine are simply, safe, effective and affordable. It is called expanded because number of disease covered are more (six disease)

Services are extended to all corners of the irrespective of cast, creed, community and ability to pay for it.

The child is immunized much before it is born (because the mother is immunized during pregnancy).

The beneficiaries were all expectant mother and children up to 16 years of age. Immunization was recommended from 3rd month of infancy for pregnant mother, 3 doses of tetanus toxoid, respectively during 16 to 24 weeks, 24 to 32 weeks and during 36 weeks. It was a continuous on going program.

Government of India launched same program with the same schedule on 1st January 1978 with the same objective of reducing child morbidity and mortality rates.

Meanwhile, who launched a social target of achieving 'Health for All by 2000AD in the international conference held at Alma-Ata, capital of kazakistan.

Government of India became signatory to the Alma-Ata declaration of achieving the social target. One of the indicators was to reduce infant mortality rate to less than 60 per 1000ll live birth by 2000AD. So in 1983, the schedule was revised and recommended only two dose of tetanus toxoid during pregnancy, first dose during 16 to 24 weeks and second dose during 24 to 36 weeks and commencing routine immunization as early as 6 weeks during infancy.

The objectives of UIP were

Elimination of neonatal tetanus ( to reduce the incidence of NNT from 5 cases/1000 live birth to less than 1case/1000live birth.

Eradication of paralytic poliomyelitis (under CCSM program in 1992).