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Youth Group Engagement in Noncompliant Communities During Supplemental Immunization Activities in Kaduna, Nigeria, in 2014.

Authors :
Musa, Audu
Mkanda, Pascal
Manneh, Fadinding
Korir, Charles
Warigon, Charity
Gali, Emmanuel
Banda, Richard
Umeh, Gregory
Nsubuga, Peter
Chevez, Ana
Vaz, Rui G.
Source :
Journal of Infectious Diseases; 2016 Supplement, Vol. 213, pS91-S95, 5p
Publication Year :
2016

Abstract

<bold>Introduction: </bold>One of the major challenges being faced in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative program is persistent refusal of oral polio vaccine (OPV) and harassment of vaccination team members by youths. The objective of the study was to describe the strategy of collaborating with recognized youth groups to reduce team harassment during vaccination campaigns and improve vaccination coverage in noncompliant communities.<bold>Methods: </bold>We assessed data from polio vaccination activities in OPV-refusing communities in the Igabi and Zaria local government areas (LGAs) of Kaduna State in Nigeria. We evaluated the following factors to determine trends: enhanced independent monitoring data on the proportion of children missed by vaccination activities (hereafter, "missed children"), lot quality assurance surveys, and vaccination team harassment.<bold>Results: </bold>The proportion of missed children decreased in both LGAs after the intervention. In Igabi LGA and Zaria LGA, the lowest proportions of missed children before and after the intervention decreased from 7% to 2% and from 5% to 1%, respectively. Lot quality assurance survey trends showed an improvement in immunization coverage 1 year after youth groups' engagement in both LGAs.<bold>Conclusions: </bold>Systematic engagement of youth groups has a great future in polio interruption as we approach the endgame strategy for polio eradication. It promises to be a veritable innovation in reaching chronically missed children in OPV-refusing communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00221899
Volume :
213
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Journal of Infectious Diseases
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
114450671
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1093/infdis/jiv510