Immunization coverage and identification of problems associated with vaccination delivery in Gondar, north west Ethiopia.

A cluster sample survey using the Expanded Programme for Immunization (EPI) methodology was conducted in April 1995 in Gondar town and surrounding villages in north west Ethiopia to assess immunisation coverage in the area and problems associated with vaccination delivery. Two hundred and thirteen children aged 12-24 months were enrolled into the study from the chosen thirty clusters. Among the sampled children, 101 (47.4%) were fully immunised while 64(30%) were not immunised at all. Only 38% of the mothers had received tetanus toxoid vaccination more than once. Reasons given for not immunising a child were lack of knowledge (39.8%), social problems (38.7%) and various obstacles (22.8%), such as child sickness and health institution related problems. A strategy of strengthening of health education, primary health care and extension of the eligibility criteria are suggested as solutions to improve coverage.