Impact of periodic intensification of routine immunization within an armed conflict setting and COVID-19 outbreak in Cameroon in 2020

Conflict and Health

Yauba Saidu¹  Andreas Ateke Njoh²  Afizu Chrakoh Tambasho²  Judith Seungue²  Shalom Tchokfe Ndoula²  Eric Mboke²  Raoul Nembot²  Victor Njie Mbome³  Clarence Mbanga⁴  Messang Blandine Abizou⁴  Hassan Ben Bachir⁵ 

[1] Clinton Health Access Initiative;Expanded Program On Immunization, Central Technical Group EPI, Ministry of Public Health;Faculty of Health Science, University of Buea;Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde 1;Ministry of Public Health;

关键词: Periodic intensification of routine immunization;    Armed conflict;    COVID-19;    South west region;    Cameroon;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s13031-022-00461-1

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Introduction Cameroon’s Southwest Region (SW) has been hit by an armed conflict for over half a decade now, negatively affecting the region’s routine immunization and disease surveillance activities. This negative effect was further acerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which alongside the conflict, caused thousands of children to miss out on life-saving vaccinations. Herein, we present the contribution of periodic intensification of routine immunization in improving immunization and surveillance activities amid crises. Method Periodic intensification of routine immunization (PIRI) and disease surveillance were carried out in three rounds per health district. Before the intervention, the security profile of each district involved was reviewed. Data for this study was extracted on vaccination and surveillance activities from the District Health Information Software and monthly regional reports for 2019 and 2020 from the SW delegation of health. Results 54,242 persons were vaccinated in the SW following these interventions. An increase in performance was observed in all 18 health districts in 2020 compared to 2019. Both DPT-HebB-Heb-3 vaccine and OPV-3 coverage rose by 28% points. Similarly, the proportion of health districts that investigated at least a case of acute flaccid paralysis increased by 83%, rising from just three districts in 2019 to all 18 in 2020. Conclusion PIRI was a practical approach to improving vaccination coverage and surveillance indicators in this region amidst the ongoing armed conflict and COVID-19 pandemic.

【 授权许可】

Unknown