Conference abstract
Improving integration of immunization into primary healthcare through reach every child approach implementation process tracking to inform high-impact interventions in limited resource settings
Pan African Medical Journal - Conference Proceedings. 2024:21(50).29
Apr 2024.
doi: 10.11604/pamj-cp.2024.21.50.2380
Archived on: 29 Apr 2024
Contact the corresponding author
Keywords: Immunization, integration, primary health care, reach every child/community, high-impact interventions
Oral presentation
Improving integration of immunization into primary healthcare through reach every child approach implementation process tracking to inform high-impact interventions in limited resource settings
Green Sadru1,&, Deozawadi Marandu1, Lusekelo Njonge1, Joseph Massenga1, Rita Noronha1, Alice Christensen1, Florian Tinuga2, Fredrick Rwegerera3
1Jhpiego, Tanzania, 2Ministry of Health (MOH), Tanzania, 3USAID, Tanzania
&Corresponding author
Introduction: immunization is one of the major public health interventions in primary healthcare (PHC) systems that reduce costs by combating vaccine-preventable diseases. The Reach Every Child (REC) approach, a proven strategy for strengthening immunization, has helped ensure that all communities receive quality vaccines. Through REC implementation, Tanzania has achieved high immunization coverage up to 2019, reducing zero-dose children and fewer vaccine-preventable diseases like measles. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted immunization services, resulting in decreased coverage and quality.
Methods: USAID Afya Yangu collaborated with MOH and PORALG to implement catch-up strategies and the REC approach. The tool helps to improve the quality, coverage, and equity of immunization services and was used to track performance in 72 out of 195 councils in Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar-supported USAID Afya Yangu regions.
Results: the improved capacities of R/CHMTs on key skills for supportive supervision and mentorship implementation through the use of the REC process tracking tool with its components, i.e., Planning & management of resources, vaccine & cold chain management, re-establishment of outreaches, community engagement, supportive supervision & mentorship, and data management. These helped to improve overall performance by 31%, from 47% in 2022 to 78% by Dec. 2023, with improved overall vaccination coverage increasing to above 95% national target for Penta3, MR1 & MR2.
Conclusion: the overall improvement in immunization implementation and vaccination coverage reduced the number of unvaccinated and under-vaccinated children. Implementing integrated immunization into PHC should be a focus for all levels to ensure strengthened immunization systems.
Improving integration of immunization into primary healthcare through reach every child approach implementation process tracking to inform high-impact interventions in limited resource settings
Green Sadru1,&, Deozawadi Marandu1, Lusekelo Njonge1, Joseph Massenga1, Rita Noronha1, Alice Christensen1, Florian Tinuga2, Fredrick Rwegerera3
1Jhpiego, Tanzania, 2Ministry of Health (MOH), Tanzania, 3USAID, Tanzania
&Corresponding author
Introduction: immunization is one of the major public health interventions in primary healthcare (PHC) systems that reduce costs by combating vaccine-preventable diseases. The Reach Every Child (REC) approach, a proven strategy for strengthening immunization, has helped ensure that all communities receive quality vaccines. Through REC implementation, Tanzania has achieved high immunization coverage up to 2019, reducing zero-dose children and fewer vaccine-preventable diseases like measles. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted immunization services, resulting in decreased coverage and quality.
Methods: USAID Afya Yangu collaborated with MOH and PORALG to implement catch-up strategies and the REC approach. The tool helps to improve the quality, coverage, and equity of immunization services and was used to track performance in 72 out of 195 councils in Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar-supported USAID Afya Yangu regions.
Results: the improved capacities of R/CHMTs on key skills for supportive supervision and mentorship implementation through the use of the REC process tracking tool with its components, i.e., Planning & management of resources, vaccine & cold chain management, re-establishment of outreaches, community engagement, supportive supervision & mentorship, and data management. These helped to improve overall performance by 31%, from 47% in 2022 to 78% by Dec. 2023, with improved overall vaccination coverage increasing to above 95% national target for Penta3, MR1 & MR2.
Conclusion: the overall improvement in immunization implementation and vaccination coverage reduced the number of unvaccinated and under-vaccinated children. Implementing integrated immunization into PHC should be a focus for all levels to ensure strengthened immunization systems.
