Identifying the reasons for low immunization coverage. A case study of Yaounde (United Republic of Cameroon)
Brown, J.; Djogdom, P.; Murphy, K.; Kesseng, G.; Heymann, D.
Revue d'Epidemiologie et de Sante Publique 30(1): 35-47
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0398-7620 PMID: 7100555 Document Number: 183522
Among the problems encountered today in the Expanded Program on Immunization is the failure to reach an acceptable level of immunization coverage in rapidly growing urban areas. This paper describes a checklist to identify the reasons for such low coverage. The checklist was 1st used in Yaounde, Cameroon. There the low coverage is found to be associated with certain neighborhoods, 1 ethnic group, low socioeconomic status, and newly arrived families. Publicity about immunizations is not reaching Yaounde residents in those categories. Furthermore, health lessons (given only in French) seem to be confusing the parents rather than educating them. Finally, previously ineffective immunization programs have made Yaounde residents mistrustful of the current program. The authors recommend solutions to each of these Yaounde problems. The checklist, and the methods used for answering it in Yaounde, should prove useful to other immunization programs. (author's modified)