POPLINE Document Number: 125598
Author(s):
Macauley R
Source citation:
Arlington, Virginia, Partnership for Child Health Care, BASICS, 1996. v, 15, [44] p. (Report|USAID Contract No. HRN-6006-C-00-3031-00)
Abstract:
The purpose of this BASICS trip report was to observe the 1996 National Immunization Days (NIDs) in Kenya (first round) and in Zambia (second round). In Kenya, the aim was to improve social mobilization, logistics, and delivery and to determine what needed to be evaluated. In Zambia, the aim was to help tailor the draft process instruments for the NIDs, train staff in monitoring methods, assist in documenting the process, review and analyze second round reports, and recommend improvements in supervision. The consultant spent the first several days talking with the NID secretariats and participated in preparatory meetings at the national and district levels in Zambia during the two days preceding the NIDs. Several days during and after the NIDs were spent assisting the secretariat. In Kenya, the technical officer went to the eastern province with the KEPI national NID coordinator and participated in final planning meetings in Embu and Mwingi districts. The technical officer assisted with immunization activities in Mwingi, Embu, and Mbere districts. Key findings in this report are reported for planning, logistics, and vaccine handling; social mobilization; staffing and supervision; training; target population; process monitoring; and incentives for health workers and volunteers. In Zambia, provinces varied in the level of preparedness. All provinces had NID coordinators for managing planning and immunization activities, representative specialized committees, plans for vaccine distribution to all immunization posts, and sufficient staff. Supplies and the cold chain were adequate. Vaccine vial monitors were missing for polio vaccines. Immunization coverage in the first round ranged from 43% to 154% by district, and 20 out of 59 districts had under 70% coverage. Fuel was inadequate for deliveries due to funding shortages. Another problem was the discarding of opened, but unused, vials at the end of the day.
Keywords:
ZambiaIndex page
Kenya
Technical Report
Recommendations
Immunization
Child
Logistics
Equipment and Supplies
Target Population
Planning
Monitoring
Supervision
Training Activities
Program Evaluation
Program Activities
Africa, Southern
Africa, Sub Saharan
Africa
Developing Countries
Africa, Eastern
Primary Health Care
Health Services
Delivery of Health Care
Health
Youth
Age Factors
Population Characteristics
Demographic Factors
Population
Management
Organization and Administration
Program Design
Programs
Evaluation
Training Programs
Education