An Analysis of the Costs and Consequences of Routine Immunization for Measles in Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Funding measles immunization in a resource constraint setting like Nigeria has been challenging. Nigeria needs a domestic cost data on measles routine immunization to inform measles routine immunization planning. This study assessed the costs and consequences of a dose of measles vaccine to children through routine immunization. Methods: A cross sectional retrospective costing study at twelve Primary health facilities was conducted. Ingredient approach to costing was used to collect data on routine immunization based on providers’ perspective. Costs attributable to measles vaccination were extracted from the data pool considering the fraction of a dose of measles vaccine to a total of ten doses of routine vaccines for a child. Microsoft excel was used for data analysis. Unit costs were calculated and compared between types of health facility. State estimates was computed using volume weighted mean method. Results: Cost per child immunized considering total and operational costs were $1.41 and $1.01 respectively. Personnel time and vaccine contributed 62%and 23% of the total cost respectively. Cost per child immunized and vaccine doses used were higher at the Health Post than Primary health facility. The percentage coverage was 39% and the wastage rate was 14%. Conclusion: The findings will guide the policy makers in planning for efficient and sustainable measles immunization financing.