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  • Title: Vaccination coverage in Northern Province, Papua New Guinea.
    Author: Mirou P, Masere D.
    Journal: P N G Med J; 1983 Jun; 26(2):99-101. PubMed ID: 6593968.
    Abstract:
    A survey was conducted in the Northern Province of Papua New Guinea to assess immunization coverage against tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, and poliomyelitis among a random sample of 211 childred, aged 6-23 months. The national government's Expanded Programme on Immunization calls for immunizing at least 80% of the country's childred, and specifically calls for administering Bacille Calmette Guerine (BCG) vaccine to infants as soon as possible following birth; a 1st dose of Sabin for poliomyelitis and a 1st dose triple antigen (TA) against diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus 2 months following birth; and a 2nd dose of Sabin and of TA at 4 months of age. 3rd doses of Sabin and TA were recommended by the government, but 3rd doses were not specific targets of the program. The current study assessed the degree to which coverage was achieved in the Northern Province. The sample of 7 childred from 30 population clusters was selected according to a method recommended by the World Health Organization. 30 population clusters were randomly drawn from census field counts of the inhabitants of the Northern Province. Random technics were used to pick a starting household in each cluster, and succeeding households were identified by selecting the household located nearest to the previously contacted household. Households in each cluster were contacted until 7 children, aged 3-23 months were identified. These 7 children in each of the 30 clusters constituted the sample. A responsible member of the houshold was asked for information on the child in regard to name, sex, birth date, and type and date of vaccination. Verbal reports were then verified by checking records at the rural health centers. This survey methodology proved to be an efficient and practical means for collecting immunization data. The survey revealed that 39% of the 211 children, aged 6-23 months were completely vaccinated, i.e., they had received the BCG vaccine and 2 doses of Sabin and TA. Of those completely vaccinated 77% had been completely vaccinated before they were 12 months old. When the immunization data obtained in the survey were compared to immunization data obtained from routine immunization records maintained by the health centers, the routine recordings were found to be acceptably accurate. Therefore, the recommendation was made that an examination of these routine records every 6 months at the district, provincial, and national level would provide an accurate technique for periodically assessing progress toward the country's immunization goals. Surveys should also be undertaken, but less frequently. Findings indicated that coverage in the Northern Province was less than the overall national coverage. Nationwide 64% of the children under the age of 1 year have received BCG, 49% 2 doses of Sabin and 50% 2 doses of TA. Respective fiquers for the Northern Province were 56%, 41%, and 46%. There is a need a greatly increase immunization efforts throughout the nation but there is even a greater need to do so in the Northern Province.
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