Essential Immunization Coverage in Target Children in Multan Division: A Mediating Role of LHWS in their Catchment Areas Review of Public Sector Project Planning in Pakistan

Abstract

The EPI structure of Pakistan is administratively union council base. Vaccinator is responsible for vaccination services in each union council. LHWs are supposed to support vaccinators in their own registered communities for vaccination activities in the field. Lady health workers have several important duties to perform but vaccinating infants against childhood communicable diseases is one of the most cost-effective public health interventions. Each union council is partially covered with LHWs. There are some areas in South Punjab where routine EPI coverage is below benchmark. Polio virus circulation was detected in human in District Lodhran and environmental samples in District Multan. The mortality rate is high due to poor vaccination for measles.The benchmark coverage is 80% for all the antigen of RI vaccination. Overall in Multan Division, fully immunized coverage (12-23 month that is BCG-Measles 1) is 84% in lady health worker covered areas and 76% in lady health worker uncovered areas. . Their role is well visible to boost up routine immunization at union council levels in each District. There is a need to extend LHWs support in uncovered areas.