Tchirozérine Health District, with its high demographic density, influences the results of all health services in the Agadez Region. In terms of routine immunization in 2023, the district concentrates more than a quarter of the 28,927 region’s target children, distributed as follows: Aderbissanat (2088), Agadez Commune (6991), Arlit (6211), Bilma (1060), Iferouāne (2028), Ingall (3072) and Tchirozérine (7477).
At the end of February 2023, the Tchirozérine Health District had 552 zero-dose children, accounting for 51% of the region's zero-dose children. This situation led WHO to focus its support on this district during March and April 2023, to catch up these zero-dose children by implementing the actions outlined below:
- Desk review and data analysis by the district management team to identify health areas and community where zero-dose children are concentrated.
- Meetings with health facilities managers, community leaders and community relays to raise awareness, mobilize the community and work together to identify catch-up strategies for zero-dose children.
- Updating the immunization micro plan for each health center and planning catch-up activities.
- Briefing of Health workers on catch-up strategies and on the integrated package of interventions to be implemented.
- Organization of vaccination sessions, including screening of malnutrition and distribution of long-acting impregnated mosquito nets.
Results:
- The number of zero-dose children was reduced from 552 at the end of February, to 123 at the end of March and to 7 at the end of April 2023.
- 9 moderate cases of malnourished children were detected and treated, and 3 acute cases of severe malnutrition in children children were referred to Nutritional Recovery Centers.
- 298 women received long-acting impregnated mosquito nets.
Lessons learned:
- Community involvement contributes to the research and identification of children to be caught up.
- Integration of interventions facilitates the catch-up of zero-dose children.
- WHO's local support has enabled regular monitoring of the district's performance and rapid action to improve it.
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Authors: Kaya Mutenda Sheria, N’tia Fabien ,Batoure Oumarou, Tombokoye Harouna, Gbaguidi Aichatou Diawara, El Khalef Ishagh, Haladou Moussa, Toga Maidagi, Freddy Bulembe Makasi (WHO Niger)