Inequality in child immunization coverage in Ethiopia: evidence from Expanded Program for Immunization coverage survey

Dereje Y. Yada; Theodros  Getachew; Misrak Getnet; Girum Taye; Tefera Taddele; Atkure Defar; Ashenif Tadele; Arega Zeru; Fikresilassie Getachew

doi:10.47577/eximia.v9i1.243

Authors

Dereje Y. Yada Health System and Reproductive Health Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Instit
Theodros Getachew Health System and Reproductive Health Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Misrak Getnet Health System and Reproductive Health Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Girum Taye Health System and Reproductive Health Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Tefera Taddele Health System and Reproductive Health Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Atkure Defar Health System and Reproductive Health Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Ashenif Tadele Health System and Reproductive Health Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Arega Zeru Health System and Reproductive Health Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Fikresilassie Getachew Health System and Reproductive Health Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47577/eximia.v9i1.243

Keywords:

Equity, Immunization, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Immunization is one of the cost-effective public health interventions, and can be used to prevent life-threatening childhood illnesses. This study aimed to assess disparities in child immunization coverage in Ethiopia.

Method: Data from the 2012 Ethiopian Expanded Program for Immunization coverage survey was used. In this study, absolute and relative equity analysis was employed based on socioeconomic variables

Result: Equity analysis was conducted in 3,748 subjects out of 3,762 child caregivers’ data. The concentration index among the poorest and richest group for BCG immunization coverage was 11%, OPV 3 was 13.3%, Pneumococcal 3 was 38.6%, Pentavalent 3 was 21.5%, Measles was 12.9%, Vitamin A supplementation was 8.9%, and full immunization was 38.6%.

Conclusion: Inequalities were observed in child immunization coverage across the socioeconomic groups, with the better-off wealth status, urban residents, and children from an educated mother being more likely to be vaccinated.