Immunization status of children living in Harare, Zimbabwe
Woelk, G.B.; Latif, A.S.; Moyo, I.M.; Katsumbe, T.M.; Mbengeranwa, O.L.
Central African Journal of Medicine 31(7): 127-128
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0008-9176 PMID: 4053176 Document Number: 242847
Surveys to ascertain the immunization status of children living in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe (population 658,364 as of the 1982 census) were carried out over a period of 10 days in May/June 1982 and a period of 6 weeks in October/November 1983, using World Health Organization prescribed cluster sampling methods. 206 children were examined in 1982 and 234 in 1983. 82.5% of children were found to have record cards in the 1982 survey, 88.5% in 1983. 47.6% were considered fully immunized in 1982, 55.6% in 1983. In 1982, 74.0% of children were recorded as having BCG scars, 79.4% in 1983. 64.6% and 71.4% had measles innoculations respectively. DPT (dyptheria, pertussis, tetanus) injections had been given to 69.9% in 1982 and 76.5% in 1983. Figures for 2nd and 3rd DPT boosters were 65.5% and 58.7% for 1982 and 76.5 and 75.6% for 1983. Figures for 1st innoculations with OPV (polio) were 69.9 and 76.5% for 1982 and 1983 respectively. 2nd and 3rd polio booster figures were 66.0 and 57.8% for 1982 and 76.5 and 74.8% for 1983. The study was part of an evaluation of immunization integrated with maternal and child health services in the city, administered by nursing personnel, health visitors, and medical assistants in various clinics. Dropout rates for 1st to 2nd dose and 1st to 3rd dose for DPT and OPV improved markedly. Increased usage of immunization probably reflects publicity generated by the 1982 program launching. The extent of infection by these 6 diseases in Zimbabwe is not known, although most are frequently encountered. Survey studies will be required to ascertain reasons for nonimmunization, in order to attain total immunization by 1990.