In Guinea, only 32% of children aged 12-23 months are fully immunized even though 72% receive their initial immunization. Lack of follow-up between the first and last vaccinations is high (DHS, 1999). For DTP alone, for instance, 26% of children receiving their first dose never receive their last.
To increase vaccination coverage among 12-24 month-olds, the USAID funded PRISM project introduced the child-for-child approach in the rural district of Faranah. The 69 5th grade teachers of all public and private schools were informed about Guinea’s official vaccination calendar. The teachers taught their pupils about the vaccination calendar, encouraging them to become the “godfather or godmother” of a child under 23 months. The 5th grader would then see to the complete and timely vaccinations of his or her godchild. At the same time, health centers kept a godfather/godmother registration book to identify the children that were vaccinated.
The health Indicators for the district of Faranah in January 2001 showed that the child-for-child approach accounted for more than 70% of all vaccinations in the target population of children under 23 months since February 2000. The 2001 results also show that 80% of children under 23 months who had not completed their vaccination had been identified and given the complete number of vaccinations.
The child-for-child approach is an efficient way of reaching a majority of children due for vaccination and should be introduced in other parts of rural Guinea.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, the participant will: 1) Understand the child-for-child approach to increase vaccination coverage among children under 23 months 2) Know the benefits and limitations of the child for child approach in a rural setting of West Africa
Keywords: Infant Health, Child Health Promotion
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Management Sciences for Health
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: employment