Cost-efficient child vaccination project results from hard-to-reach rural communities in Kenya

Abstract

Abstract Child immunization is a cost-effective public health measure for reducing child morbidity and mortality. Child immunization coverage in Kenya has improved in recent years, with coverage rates for most vaccines exceeding 80%. However, there are still pockets of low coverage, particularly in remote or hard-to-reach areas. We implemented a community-based project to improve access and equity in child immunization services in three Kenyan counties (Nairobi, Wajir and Mandera). We trained health workers, promoted community acceptance, and provided logistical support to Ministry of Health (MoH) for child immunization services through community outreach centers. During the project period (January 2020 to February 2023), our project facilitated full immunization coverage for 93,879 children and we reached 200,554 community members whom we communicated relevant messages for recommended practice about health, nutrition and child vaccination. Our project achieved a 26 percentage-point increase (increased from 62% at baseline in 2020 to 88% at endline in 2022) in age-appropriate child vaccinations by end of the project. We also conducted a cost-efficiency analysis by taking the actual costs incurred and project achievements into account. The key results from the cost-efficiency analysis revealed approximate cost for a fully immunized child as 21 US dollar, while per capita cost for communicating health messages to community members and health care worker training was 10 US dollar. UNICEF estimated approximately 32 US$ as vaccine delivery cost (=total cost - cost of vaccine and supply) per fully vaccinated child with standard schedule for children < 24 months which is higher than the cost for ensuring a fully immunized child in our project. These data clearly indicate the efficiency and success of community-based approach for strengthening MoH child immunization services in Kenyan rural and hard-to-reach communities. Key messages • Strong collaboration with Ministry of Health and community participation are critical key aspects for implementing child vaccination program successfully and cost-efficiently in rural communities. • Facilitating Ministry of Health for health system strengthening focus yields sustainable impact as footprint after end of a short-term of a community based project in developing country settings.