Open AccessStrengthening immunization service delivery post Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in Liberia 2015-2017
Author(s) -
Adolphus T Clarke,
Nicholas Blidi,
Joseph Yokie,
Mary Momolu,
Chukwuemeka Agbo,
Roland Tuopileyi,
Julius Monday Rude,
Mohammed Abdu Seid,
Dereje Yohannes,
Zakari Wambai,
Alex Gasasira,
Laura Skrip,
Ngozi Kennedy,
Evans Lablah,
Joseph Okeibunor,
Mamoudou Harouna Djingarey,
Ambrose Talisuna,
Ali Ahmed Yahaya,
Soatiana Rajatonirina,
Ibrahima Socé Fall
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
the pan african medical journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.287
H-Index - 30
ISSN - 1937-8688
DOI - 10.11604/pamj.supp.2019.33.2.17116
Subject(s) - medicine , ebola virus , outbreak , immunization , poliomyelitis , disease , environmental health , virology , immunology , pathology , antigen
The Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in Liberia from 2014-2015 setback the already fragile health system which was recovering from the effects of civil unrest. This led to significant decline in immunization coverage and key polio free certification indicators. The Liberia investment plan was developed to restore immunization service delivery and overall health system. Methods We conducted a desk review to summarize performance of immunization coverage, polio eradication, measles control, new vaccines and technologies. Data sources include program reports, scientific and grey literature, District Health Information System (DHIS2), Integrated Diseases Surveillance and Response (IDSR) database, auto visual AFP detection and reporting (AVADAR) and ONA Servers. Data analysis was done using Microsoft excel spreadsheets, ONA software and Arc GIS. Results There was a 36% increase in national coverage for Penta 3 in 2017 compared to 2014 from WUENIC data. Penta 3 dropout rate reduced by 2.5 fold from 15.3% in 2016 to 6.4% in 2017; while MCV1 coverage improved by 23% from 64% in 2015 to 87% in 2017. There was a rebound of non-polio AFP rate (NPAFP) rate from 1.2 in 2015 to 4.3 in 2017. Furthermore, there was a 2-fold increase in the number of AFP cases receiving 3 or more doses of OPV from 36% in 2015 to 61% in 2017. Conclusion Liberia demonstrated strong rebound of immunization services following the largest and most devastating EVD outbreak in West Africa in 2014 - 2015. Immunization coverage improved and dropout rates reduced. However, there are still opportunities for improvement in the immunization program both at national and sub-national levels.