Improving immunization coverage through budgeted microplans and sub-national performance agreements: early experience...

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Public Health Policy
• Immunization Programs

Background:

• Routine immunization rates in Cambodia have stagnated over the past five years.
• Despite successes in campaign-based initiatives like measles control, overall vaccination coverage requires improvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the Coverage Improvement Planning (CIP) process implemented by Cambodia's National Immunization Program.
• To identify barriers and outline strategies for enhancing routine immunization coverage.

Main Methods:

• The study details the implementation of the CIP process in Cambodia.
• It analyzes factors contributing to coverage improvements in pilot districts.

Main Results:

• Following CIP implementation in 2003, 8 out of 10 pilot districts saw increased immunization coverage.
• An average annual increase of 16% in DPT3 coverage was observed, indicating early effectiveness.

Conclusions:

• The CIP process, incorporating needs-based micro-planning, performance-based contracting, social mobilization, and strengthened monitoring, shows promise.
• Lessons learned from this pilot are crucial for scaling up national immunization efforts.