In the first year of operations, this project to revitalize the health
care delivery system in the Bas Congo region of the Congo achieved dramatic
improvements in the coverage for routine vaccination services. The implementing
partner, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), accomplished a revitalization
that is broad in scope but is clearly revealed in improvements in immunization
coverage. Targeting the health zones of Kimvula, Ngidinga, and Nselo,
routine immunization rates increased so dramatically that targets established
for the second year of the project were surpassed. Kimvula is the most
striking of the three zones since all immunization services had ceased
prior to implementation of the CRS project.
The immunizations of newborns for tuberculosis in Kimvula went from
zero to 68%, as did the rate for DPT in children under one. Most dramatically
and important was the increase in immunizations against one of the most
important preventable diseases, measles. Measles coverage started at
zero and increased to 97%. One third of all pregnant women were provided
with tetanous toxoid (TT. The remaining two zones saw similar increases
in coverage.
Ngidinga's TB coverage went from 53.6%to 84%, DPT from 26% to 60%, and
measles from 32.6% to 62%. Nselo increased its' TB coverage from 48.3%
to 82%, DPT from 16.7% to 51% and measles from 15.7% to 62%. Pregnant
women's coverage for TT increased dramatically from 9% to 52.6%.
These improvements reflect increased community involvement as well
as the provision of equipment and training for health personnel. They
also characterize a comprehensive approach to reducing mortality and
morbidity among the target population.
Routine Immunization in Bas Congo
