AN ASSESSMENT OF VACCINATION PROGRAMS IN PRIMARY HEALTHCARE CENTRES

ABSTRACT

Background: The concept of Primary healthcare and vaccination programs is a comprehensive method to ensure the safety of public health. Primary healthcare centres play a vital role in protecting the public from the scourge of vaccine-preventable diseases. Aim of the study: To assess vaccination programs in Primary Health Centers in Benin City, Edo State. Methods: This was a cross-sectional qualitative study across 13 Primary healthcare centers (PHCs), in 5 LGAs in Benin City. A qualitative questionnaire was used to collect data from the administrative heads of the various centres. Results: All the centres offered vaccination programs, and had vaccines for 14 of the 15 vaccine preventable diseases investigated, at varying degrees of availability. The centres had the same brands for each vaccine. The government is the sole source of vaccines, and supply them free of charge. In all the centres visited, the vaccines for babies were the fastest moving stock and nursing mothers were the most frequent visitors to 70% of the PHCs. Similar factors affect supply, although the frequency of stock turnover is dependent on the demands of the various centres. The centres in Egor LGA were all comparatively better stocked.The storage and cold chain facilities present were mostly similar for over 77% of the centres. Common challenges for over 70% of the centres include; epileptic electricity, water supply and storage. Most respondents (92.3%) suggested the need for greater government funding, and better trained staff. Conclusion: The vaccination programs in the state is a very robust and well-run program. However, it is fraught with some barriers that can be largely be remedied by greater governmental support and funding.