The expanded program in immunization. Ghana's experience

The expanded programme on immunization feasibility studies is currently running into its second year of operations. The objectives of the study are to test the possibility of increased coverage using both fixed centre and mobile field teams for the vaccination of children under the age of 2 years against measles, poliomyelitis, diphtheria, pertussis, tuberculosis and smallpox and also to test the immunological response to two doses of pertussis and two doses of oral polio. Reports so far indicate some success in the areas of training and manpower development as well as the development of the cold chain system which is considered to be the most important requirement for an efficient, expanded immunization programme. It goes without saying that the progress of the study has been marked by some technical, social and administrative constraints.