Evaluating the effectiveness of vaccination programs in rural areas: methods and challenges

Abstract

Vaccination is the most effective intervention strategy, and the provision of vaccines at fixed and community-based sites is the backbone of a sustainable vaccination system in developing countries. Access to vaccination services is still limited in Cameroon. Several health districts across the country are still experiencing new outbreaks. The overall objective of the study is to assess the performance of the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) in order to determine its effectiveness in rural areas of Cameroon.

The methodology is based on a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative surveys of government departments and services, community members, and qualitative interviews with community health workers, local partner health officials, and national health societies. The analysis of this data aims to identify perceptions, practices, and barriers related to the effectiveness of disease vaccination programs in rural areas of Cameroon.

Results: The observed weaknesses included the inability to achieve the targeted vaccination coverage for all antigens, the proportion of health districts with coverage above 80% remaining low, the existence of districts with vaccination coverage below 50%, and insufficient quality of vaccination data. The country lagged behind in geographic equity, program management, and financing. Furthermore, situations that emerged over the past decade, such as COVID-19, conflict, political instability, and widespread misinformation, have negatively impacted the performance of vaccination services.

The study concludes: Cameroon must intensify its efforts to address its gaps and weaknesses so as not to be left behind in achieving the targets of the current decade set out in the Sustainable Development Goals.