Facility Readiness for Childhood Routine Immunization Services in Primary Healthcare Centres in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background and objective of study: immunization remains an essential strategy for reducing mortalities and morbidities due to vaccine preventable diseases. Immunization service delivery is dependent on planning of immunization sessions, and Supervision of the immunization process as this is very important in order to achieve immunization coverage target.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was utilised. This was done using an observational check list guide which was developed by the researcher and utilised for assessment of facility readiness for routine immunization service delivery. It was used to assess the facilities, amenities and logistics utilised in the immunization services process and also the functionality of the amenities. It was utilised in 35 Primary health care centres in the 3 Local Government Areas.
Results: Thirty two (91.4%) had sufficient staff offering immunization and 22 (62.9%) had sufficient seats for clients. All the facilities had supervisory visits by the government. Thirty three (94.3%) had health talks before immunization and 25 (71.4%) had an alternate functional source of power supply readily available
Conclusion: Only 3 of the PHCs were ready for routine immunization service delivery while 32 were partially ready for immunization