BACKGROUND
In Mozambique, immunization coverage has stagnated over the past years resulting in continued vaccine-preventable deaths and complications in children. For instance, DPT3 has stagnated at 88% since 2014. The percentage of children immunized against major vaccine-preventable diseases increased marginally from 63% in 2003 (DHS 2003) to 64% in 2011 (DHS 2011) and to 66% in 2015 (IMASIDA 2015). There are significant disparities and inequities in access to immunization services throughout the country. In general, immunization coverage in rural areas is very low and some provinces such as Nampula, Zambézia, Manica and Tete are particularly disadvantaged and suffer from higher dropout rates.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
USAID M-RITE provides support to Mozambique’s Ministry of Health to strengthen its routine immunization program by identifying and removing persistent bottlenecks and barriers to planning, delivery, demand, and uptake of immunization services. Activities include working with the Ministry of Health and local NGOs to provide training, supportive supervision and strengthen provider behaviors to improve quality of routine immunization and COVID-19 vaccine care at the health facility and community level. USAID M-RITE will also provide support to establish better planning, budgeting and tracking systems for immunization programs. The program will also work with local organizations to develop and implement social and behavior change activities aimed at increasing and sustaining demand for immunizations.
EXPECTED RESULTS AND IMPACTS
- Establish an information system that effectively uses data and analysis to inform planning, budgeting and prioritization of activities related to immunizations.
- Improve and sustain social and behavior change activities to encourage routine immunizations .
- Access to quality immunization care increased and sustained in target provinces.
