Internal displacement; an impediment to the successful implementation of planned measles supplemental activities in Nigeria, a case study of Benue State.

BACKGROUND: Measles is a highly infectious disease with great burden and implication on a displaced population with low immunity status. The disease can cause up to 140,000 deaths annually. Internal displacement during supplemental immunization activities often affects optimal reach and coverage of the campaign as people move and implementation and logistic plans are usually disrupted with attendant missed children. This study documented the process of extension of the measles vaccination campaign (MVC) 2018 for five internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps in Benue state, not previously in the microplan, to increase population herd immunity.
METHODS: We obtained population figures and disease surveillance data for five IDPs camps and used it to conduct detailed microplanning to determine the requirement for the conduct of additional days of measles vaccination. Vaccination teams used fixed posts in the camps and temporary posts strategy in designated locations in the host communities.
RESULTS: The estimated total population of the IDPs was 170,000 with MVC target population of 9374 which was not earlier planned for. There was reported measles outbreaks in IDP camps in both Guma and Makurdi Local Government areas (LGAs) during period of displacement. Microplans requirement determined 10,421 bundled measles vaccine, 30 health workers, 5 vehicles and 15 motorcycles. A total of 7679 out of 9374 (81.9%) of the eligible children aged 9-59 months were vaccinated during the 3 days of the campaign.
CONCLUSION: Non-inclusion of plans on internally displaced population in supplemental immunization activities (SIAs) microplans have a potential risk of vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) outbreak. Future Measles Vaccination campaigns should take cognizance of internal displacement due to insecurity and other humanitarian emergencies.