Announcement

Indonesians Have Access to Immunization but Lack Follow-up

Jakarta | Tuesday, December 25, 2007

The Millennium Challenge Corporation Indonesia Immunization Program (MCC/IIP), along with the World Health Organization and UNICEF (the United Nations Children’s Fund), supported this initial survey, with preliminary results revealing that just under 75% of Indonesians have some degree of immunization against diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, and measles. However, this number drops to 57% when considering the full series needed for protection.

A number of reasons for this “dropout rate” (i.e., the proportion of individuals not receiving the right vaccination at the right interval) were also identified by the study. One of the major reasons was lack of information for mothers on how and when follow-up visits need to take place. Related to this was the use or misuse of the KMS (growth monitoring) card, which tracks a child’s development and immunization history. Another major factor contributing to children missing their vaccination series was that the child was turned away for having a minor illness such as a cold, ear ache, or diarrhea. Although not harmful to the child, many health practitioners are reluctant to immunize even mildly ill children.

This survey provides the most accurate picture of immunization coverage in Indonesia since 2002. In addition, by providing province-specific data, it will allow MCC/IIP to hone its efforts in improving immunization in Indonesia and overcoming barriers that may be specific to certain locations.

The MCC Indonesia Immunization Project comprises a US$20 million grant over two years providing technical assistance to the Government of Indonesia’s Expanded Program on Immunization and is being implemented by the Partnership for Child Health Care, Inc. It is part of the overall MCC Threshold Program which is administered by USAID. For more information, please see /en/Program.8.aspx.