A primary health care baseline survey in a rural district in Zambia

In many developing countries health data are insufficient. These data are needed to get valid information to make decisions about health programmes. Baseline surveys are in terms of economy and resources a method which is fruitful. These baseline surveys should not only be performed at country and province level. Baseline surveys at district level is needed to monitor local needs. The present baseline survey was focus on immunization, diarrhoea incidence and diarrhoea treatment, sanitation and children nutrition status. 388 households were visited in a random 30 cluster baseline survey in Choma district of Zambia. It revealed that 79% of the children aged 12-23 months was fully immunized and the drop-out rate in polio and DPT vaccination routines was as low as 9 and 12% respectively. The incidence of diarrhoea disease was high and estimated at 4.8 episodes per child per year. ORS and SSS were used as treatment in 52% and 15% of all cases. More than 90% of mothers would seek help at RHCs or PHCs in case of diarrhoea. About 2/3 of the households had no safe water supply and 2/3 no pitlatrine. Only a few had a refuse pit. The nutrition status of children were assessed by using upper arm circumference measurements. Only about 40% of the children age 12-23 month and about 75% of children aged 24-59 months respectively were adequately nourished. The district had in this survey a fair immunization programme but intensified sanitary and nutritional programmes seem justified. Periodic baseline surveys with 2-3 years interval is recommended to determine the impact and future direction of the programme.