The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #59727

W. Meredith Long, DrPH¹, Anbrasi Edward-Raj, PhD, MPH², Kay Hansen, RN³, Sivan Oun³, and Melanie M. Morrow, MPH⁴. (1) Director of International Health, World Relief Corporation, P.O. Box 868, Baltimore, MD 21203, (443) 451-1900, MLong@wr.org, (2) International Health, Johns Hopkins University, 615 N Wolfe, Baltimore, MD 21205, (3) World Relief, PO Box 126, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, (4) Child Survival Specialist, World Relief, 7 East Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD 21202

Despite the significant progress following decades of political conflict, Cambodia ranks among the lowest in health system performance necessitating the need for continued efforts to strengthen the health infrastructure. Instituted in 1998, the child survival program in Ponhea Kriek district of Kampong Cham Province developed a community based BCC model to mobilize the community and strengthen the district health system for delivering outreach immunization services. An extensive network of 940 community health educators was established through Care Groups, covering the population in 84 villages. Innovative mechanisms were designed by the project and health center teams for achieving increased coverage and utilization of immunization services. Results from the final evaluation indicated that coverage for full immunization of children (12-23 months) increased from 5 to 81% and TT for the last pregnancy increased from 2-71% which is higher than that reported for either the National average or Province average, of 40 and 28.3% for full immunization of children and 30 and 30% for TT. Drop out rate for OPV reduced from 59 to 18% and from 54 to 17% for DPT immunizations. The community based measures were effective in creating a demand for immunization services evidenced by the higher utilization. However, the existing health system requires continued support from partners to effectively execute these services.

Learning Objectives:

• 1.Describe the mechanisms for effective delivery and utilization of immunization services through a community based partnership with the health system.
• 2.Illustrate lessons learnt and results achieved in improving coverage and utilization for immunization.

Keywords: Community-Based Health Promotion, Care Seeking

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.