Vaccination

Though vaccines are available in the delta states , previous initiatives have had difficulty in effectively covering the vast and often isolated riverine communities.

Nationally,the WHO (World Health Organisation) recommended immunisation schedule  has been woefully underachieved, the best coverage reaching 40%. For Measles coverage ,according to 2005 figures peaks at 54% , with New Foundations coverage in the communities in which the charity works achieving 50%.

The dismal vaccination statistics for this region is discussed in a survey undertaken in two communities

From 2007 we have been able to provide measles, polio, tetanus DPT, BCG, meningitis and yellow fever vaccinations.

The partnership with the state government department has been critical and we are grateful for their assistance and support.

The mortality from measles, and tetanus in particular is high and secondary infections only increase the shocking statistics.

With this emphasis on mothers and children these camps provide ideal opportunities to teach safe birthing practices and postnatal care, contraceptive advice, breast feeding and nutrition.

Vaccines need to be stored between -2 to +8 degrees if they are to be effective. Maintaining a cold chain from national centre to remote rural Primary Health Care centres is a challenge.

We have built and tested a solar powered fridge that has proved effective at maintaining a reliable and sustainable storage facility for vaccines, with a small generator to provided secondary power.

Solar panels charging fridge and secondary battery

Fridge (narrow-boat version), invertor and gel battery

 As important as the cold chain is the need for effective record keeping. Each child has a specific health card and with weekly vaccine clinics it is envisaged that every child will receive full vaccination.

Recording each child

Vaccines ready for use

For some communities large 'one-hit' camps are the only option but many children result in receiving needless extra doses for some diseases, yet none for others.

Most parents are subsistence fishermen and farmers and have left early for their farms. We have seen that only a regular, well promoted clinic operating at different times of the day, can hope to be effective.

A satellite camp, overwhelmed by numbers and poor record keeping

Weekly clinic with small numbers and efficient record keeping