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Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
medicine
Achieving comprehensive childhood immunization: An analysis of obstacles and opportunities in The Gambia
Health Policy and Planning, Volume 29, No. 2, Year 2014
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Description
Introduction Immunization is a vital component in the drive to decrease global childhood mortality, yet challenges remain in ensuring wide coverage of immunization and full immunization, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study assessed immunization coverage and the determinants of immunization in a semi-rural area in The Gambia.Methods Data were drawn from the Farafenni Health and Demographic Surveillance System. Children born within the surveillance area between January 2000 and December 2010 were included. Main outcomes assessed included measles, BCG and DTP vaccination status and full immunization by 12 months of age as reported on child healthcards. Predictor variables were evaluated based on a literature review and included gender, ethnicity, area of residence, household wealth and mother's age.Results Of the 7363 children included in the study, immunization coverage was 73% (CI 72-74) for measles, 86% (CI 86-87) for BCG, 79% (CI 78-80) for three doses of DTP and 52% (CI 51-53) for full immunization. Coverage was significantly associated with area of residence and ethnicity, with children in urban areas and of Mandinka ethnicity being least likely to be fully immunized.Conclusions Despite high levels of coverage of many individual vaccines, delivery of vaccinations later in the schedule and achieving high coverage of full immunization remain challenges, even in a country with a committed childhood immunization programme, such as The Gambia. Our data indicate areas for targeted interventions by the national Expanded Programme of Immunization. © The Author 2013.
Authors & Co-Authors
Payne, Sarah
United Kingdom, London
Imperial College London
Townend, John A.
Gambia, Bathurst
Mrc Unit
Jasseh, Momodou
Gambia, Bathurst
Mrc Unit
Lowe Jallow, Yamundow
Gambia
Ministry of Health and Social Welfare Government of the Gambia
Kampmann, Beate B.
United Kingdom, London
Imperial College London
Gambia, Bathurst
Mrc Unit
Statistics
Citations: 40
Authors: 5
Affiliations: 3
Identifiers
Doi:
10.1093/heapol/czt004
e-ISSN:
14602237
Research Areas
Health System And Policy
Infectious Diseases
Maternal And Child Health
Study Approach
Systematic review
Study Locations
Gambia