Integrating health promotion and disease prevention interventions with vaccination in Honduras.
OBJECTIVE
We sought to review and describe health interventions integrated with immunization delivery, both routine and during national vaccination weeks, in Honduras between 1991 and 2009.


METHODS
We compiled and examined all annual evaluation reports from the national Expanded Program on Immunization and reports from the national vaccination weeks (NVWs) between 1988 and 2009. We held discussions with the persons responsible for immunization and other programs in the Health Secretary of Honduras for the same time period.


RESULTS
Since 1991, several health promotion and disease prevention interventions have been integrated with immunization delivery, including vitamin A supplementation (since 1994), folic acid supplementation (2003), early detection of retinoblastoma (since 2003), breastfeeding promotion (2007-2008), and disease control activities during public health emergencies, such as cholera control (1991-1992) and dengue control activities (since 1991, when a dengue emergency coincides with the NVW). Success factors included sufficient funds and supplies to ensure sustainability and joint planning, delivery, and monitoring.


CONCLUSIONS
Several health interventions have been integrated with vaccination delivery in Honduras for nearly 20 years. The immunization program in Honduras has sufficient structure, organization, acceptance, coverage, and experience to achieve successful integration with health interventions if carefully planned and suitably implemented.
Expanded Program on Immunization-National Center for Biologicals, Tegucigalpa, Honduras. paihonduras@yahoo.com
Ida Berenice
IB
Molina-Aguilera
Lourdes Otilia
LO
Mendoza-Rodríguez
María Aparicia
MA
Palma-Ríos
M Carolina
MC
Danovaro-Holliday
D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated; D055088:Early Detection of Cancer; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006285:Health Planning; D006293:Health Promotion; D006721:Honduras; D006801:Humans; D011634:Public Health; D013997:Time Factors; D014611:Vaccination; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000008:administration & dosage
D014801:Vitamin A; D005492:Folic Acid