Abstract
Background and objectiveThe Expanded Programme on Immunization was introduced by the World Health Organization (WHO) in all countries during the 1970s. Currently, this effective public health intervention is still not accessible to all. This study evaluates the change in routine vaccination coverage over time based on survey data and compares it to estimations by the WHO and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).DesignData of vaccination coverage of children less than 5 years of age was extracted from Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) conducted in 71 low- and middle-income countries during 1986–2009. Overall trends for vaccination coverage of tuberculosis, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio and measles were analysed and compared to WHO and UNICEF estimates.ResultsFrom 1986 to 2009, the annual average increase in vaccination coverage of the studied diseases ranged between 1.53 and 1.96% units according to DHS data. Vaccination coverage of diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio and measles was all under 80% in 2009. Non-significant differences in coverage were found between DHS data and WHO and UNICEF estimates.ConclusionsThe coverage of routine vaccinations in low- and middle-income countries may be lower than that previously reported. Hence, it is important to maintain and increase current vaccination levels.
Highlights
Background and objectiveThe Expanded Programme on Immunization was introduced by the World Health Organization (WHO) in all countries during the 1970s
Proportion of children vaccinated with Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) The overall trend over time for tuberculosis vaccination (BCG) according to Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) data was estimated as an Routine vaccination coverage in low- and middle-income countries annual increase of 1.96% units in the surveyed countries from 1986 to 2009 (Fig. 1)
Proportion of children vaccinated with DTP3 The overall trend over time for the third dose of diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccination (DTP3) was estimated as an annual increase of 1.80% units in the surveyed countries from 1986 to 2009 (Fig. 2)
Summary
The Expanded Programme on Immunization was introduced by the World Health Organization (WHO) in all countries during the 1970s. This effective public health intervention is still not accessible to all. This study evaluates the change in routine vaccination coverage over time based on survey data and compares it to estimations by the WHO and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Design: Data of vaccination coverage of children less than 5 years of age was extracted from Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) conducted in 71 low- and middle-income countries during 1986Á2009. Overall trends for vaccination coverage of tuberculosis, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio and measles were analysed and compared to WHO and UNICEF estimates. It is important to maintain and increase current vaccination levels
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