INTRODUCTION: This study was designed to evaluate the adverse events following immunization (AEFI) monitoring system in Abidjan health districts. METHODS: This cross-sectional study focused on activities conducted between 1st January and 31st December 2015 in the nine health districts of Abidjan. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire based on the model of World Health Organization evaluation forms. These questionnaires were administered to personnel in charge of epidemiological surveillance in the health districts and the personnel of district hospitals and health centres. RESULTS: The AEFI monitoring system, apart from its simplicity and flexibility, remains fairly ineffective due to the relatively low acceptability by all health workers involved. Only 4% of healthcare personnel respondents participate in this activity; 55% of health districts reported cases of AEFI and 25% of health centres reported cases of adverse events. The low acceptability makes this system less sensitive and ineffective for health policy decision-making designed to reduce adverse events following immunization. CONCLUSION: Improved performance of the AEFI monitoring system requires better training of health workers, better data processing equipment and improved community participation.
INTRODUCTION: This study was designed to evaluate the adverse events following immunization (AEFI) monitoring system in Abidjan health districts. METHODS: This cross-sectional study focused on activities conducted between 1st January and 31st December 2015 in the nine health districts of Abidjan. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire based on the model of World Health Organization evaluation forms. These questionnaires were administered to personnel in charge of epidemiological surveillance in the health districts and the personnel of district hospitals and health centres. RESULTS: The AEFI monitoring system, apart from its simplicity and flexibility, remains fairly ineffective due to the relatively low acceptability by all health workers involved. Only 4% of healthcare personnel respondents participate in this activity; 55% of health districts reported cases of AEFI and 25% of health centres reported cases of adverse events. The low acceptability makes this system less sensitive and ineffective for health policy decision-making designed to reduce adverse events following immunization. CONCLUSION: Improved performance of the AEFI monitoring system requires better training of health workers, better data processing equipment and improved community participation.