Improving vaccination coverage: the experience of the Expanded Programme on Immunization in Vanuatu

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Immunization Programs
• Global Health

Background:

• Vanuatu faced challenges in achieving high infant vaccination coverage due to geographical and infrastructural limitations.
• Infant immunization rates remained low until 1987 despite the introduction of an Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) in 1982.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the success of interventions implemented to improve infant vaccination coverage in Vanuatu.
• To identify effective strategies for enhancing immunization rates in resource-limited settings.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of infant vaccination coverage data from 1984 to 1990.
• Implementation of a new WHO-recommended vaccination schedule (diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus and oral polio vaccine at 6, 10, and 14 weeks).
• Enhanced training, support, and supervision for maternal and child health (MCH) staff.
• Community engagement through social mobilization in low-coverage areas.

Main Results:

• Coverage for 3 doses of diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus (DPT) increased from 29% to 76%.
• Coverage for 3 doses of oral polio vaccine (OPV) rose from 29% to 78%.
• Measles vaccine coverage improved from 19% to 66% between 1984 and 1990, with significant gains post-1987.

Conclusions:

• The implemented strategies, including schedule changes, staff development, and community involvement, were highly successful in improving infant vaccination coverage in Vanuatu.
• Vanuatu's experience provides valuable lessons for other island nations and regions aiming to enhance their immunization programs.