[Vaccination in Togo]

The author describes her participation in an immunization project in Togo, one of many such projects supported by Canada's International Immunization Program. The Togo project was run by CUSO in partnership with the Canadian Public Health Association. In Togo, the infant mortality rate is significant. Thus the institution of an immunization program against major childhood illness (diphtheria, polio, tetanus, pertussis, measles and tuberculosis) was of paramount importance. Based in the maritime region of Togo, the project the author worked on helped 60,000 children and 200,000 women of childbearing age. The health team didn't attempt to change the behavior of the people of Togo since their cultural health care beliefs have existed for centuries and differ significantly from those of North Americans. Rather, efforts centered on health teaching, which increased the immunization rate from 16 to 63 per cent and decreased the incidence of disease.