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[Evaluation of vaccine coverage in children under two years of age in Kinshasa (Zaire)]
L M Mashako1, C N Kapongo, C N Nsibu
1Département de Pédiatrie, Cliniques Universitaires, Hôpital Mama Yemo, Kinshasa XI Zaïre.
Insights
Childhood immunization rates in Kinshasa remain low, with significant gaps in measles vaccination. Improved vaccination strategies are crucial for public health in Zaire.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Context:
- In 1986, only 33% of children in Kinshasa, Zaire, were immunized against preventable diseases.
- Despite national efforts, widespread access to immunization services was limited.
- This study examines vaccination compliance in Kinshasa in 1989.
Purpose:
- To evaluate compliance with vaccination schedules in children under two years old in Kinshasa.
- To identify factors influencing vaccination adherence.
- To assess the prevalence of immunization against specific preventable diseases.
Summary:
- A study of 211 children under two in Kinshasa revealed high immunization rates for tuberculosis (93%) and combined diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and poliomyelitis vaccines (85%).
- However, only 76% were vaccinated against measles, and 25% of infants missed the measles vaccine by nine months.
- Vaccination compliance was associated with higher maternal education and maternal employment in public service.
Impact:
- Findings highlight persistent challenges in achieving universal childhood immunization in Kinshasa.
- Identifies maternal education and employment as potential factors for targeted interventions.
- Results underscore the need for improved vaccination strategies and schedules to enhance public health outcomes.
Background:
Despite efforts to make immunization against preventable diseases available to all children in Zaire, only about 33% of the children living at Kinshasa were immunized in 1986.
Methods:
The compliance with the vaccination schedules was evaluated in 211 children less than 2 years of age consulting in the largest medical center of Kinshasa during one week in September 1989. Socio-demographic data on the parents and histories of infectious preventable diseases in children were also collected.
Results:
93% of the children were immunized against tuberculosis, 85% against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and poliomyelitis, 76% against measles. Compliance with the vaccination schedule was higher when the mothers were better educated, or when they worked in the public service. 25% of the children had not been immunized against measles at the age of 9 months.
Conclusion:
The vaccine schedule and the strategy must still be improved.