Measles vaccination coverage among children aged (12-23) months in Marawi locality - Northern state, Sudan - 2016

Abstract

Background: Worldwide measles remains the fifth cause of mortality among children under 5 years. Immunization coverage is the proportion of individuals in the target population who are vaccinated. It is a key measure of immunization system performance. Coverage for measles in Eastern Mediterranean region in 2015 for MCV1 was 85%, and MCV2 was 61%.Methods: A total sample size of 462 mothers was determined according to WHO guidelines regarding coverage survey in (February - July 2016). Data were collected using a prepared and pretested questionnaire, reviewing cards of children, and interview with EPI personnel. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20, p≤0.05 was considered significant.Results: The majority of the children (96.1%) were vaccinated against MCV1, and (77.4%) were vaccinated against MCV2. Small group of mothers (5.7%) had a negative attitude towards immunization. Most mothers (94.3%) were satisfied with measles immunization services. More than half of mothers (55.7%) wait for <15 minutes to immunize their children. Most of the mothers (62.3%) went to the immunization centers by public transports. The main factors affecting vaccination coverage were: weakness of incentives, lack of means of transport for staff, poor working environment like: shortage of water, furniture and technological materials.Conclusions: The coverage with MCV1 was reaching the WHO elimination standards while the coverage of MCV2 was not; due to many factors that affected the vaccination coverage. The study recommends health education covering all aspects of immunization, improvement of the working environment, and availing outreach centers.