Study of Factors Affecting Universal Access to Immunization Services in Guinea ^†

Abstract

Background: The goal of the health system is to improve health by providing an integrated set of services. The vaccination program is set up for it. Evaluation results revealed low coverage and many key factors involved in the decision to vaccinate. Vaccination has been integrated into primary health care and is free. WHO has initiated a strategy to reach every district and UNICEF’s Baby Friendly Community Approach. All this for meeting each target child in the community and in health facilities. The purpose of the study is to analyze the factors that interact to or against access to vaccination for all in three areas: system response and community. Methodology: The approach is participatory and consisted of a literature review and in-depth interviews with target (n = 88). Results: The results in three areas: understanding the motivations, the dynamic impact of change and challenges: knowledge and perception of preventable diseases through vaccination, vaccines & administration, time and frequency, rumors attitudes and behaviors community perceptions of vaccination vs. stakeholder views on social norms and community involvement Leadership district management teams acceptability by the community agents communication activities to increase the level of knowledge about immunization, promotion of good practices to improve social mobilization, assessments, management rumors and distrust. Conclusions: Factors hampering access to vaccination. To fill the gaps strengthening improvement plan is essential. The measures envisaged are: communication, promotion and use of data for action.