Measles supplemental immunization activities improve measles vaccine coverage and equity: Evidence from Kenya, 2002.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the measles vaccine coverage achieved through the routine vaccination program with that achieved during the 2002 supplemental immunization activity (SIA) at the national and provincial level, the percentage of previously unvaccinated children (zero-dose children) reached during the SIA, and the equity of measles vaccine coverage among children aged 9-23 months in Kenya.


METHODS
Using data from a post-SIA coverage survey conducted in Kenya, we compute routine and SIA measles vaccine coverage and the percent of zero-dose children vaccinated during the SIA at the national and provincial level. Nationwide and for each province, we use the concentration index (CI) to measure equity of measles vaccine coverage.


RESULTS
The SIA improved both coverage and equity, achieving significantly higher coverage in all provinces with routine measles vaccination coverage less than 80%, reached a large percentage of zero-dose children in these provinces, and reached more children belonging to the poorest households.


CONCLUSIONS
Overall, by improving both measles vaccine coverage and equity in Kenya, the 2002 SIA reduced the gap in immunity between rich and poor households. Measles SIAs provide an ideal platform for delivering other life-saving child health interventions.
Vijayaraghavan
Maya
M
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Mail Stop E-05, Atlanta GA 30333, United States. mvijayaraghavan@cdc.gov
Martin
Rebecca M
RM
Sangrujee
Nalinee
N
Kimani
Geoffrey N
GN
Oyombe
Sammy
S
Kalu
Akpaka
A
Runyago
Alfred
A
Wanjau
George
G
Cairns
Lisa
L
Muchiri
Steven N
SN
D003625:Data Collection; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007223:Infant; D007630:Kenya; D008297:Male; D008458:Measles Vaccine / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D008458:Measles Vaccine