Preparedness of Health Facilities for Routine Childhood Immunization Services in Benin City, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Assessment
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54536/ijphpp.v1i1.8441Keywords:
Cold Chain, Health-Facility Preparedness, Nigeria, Routine Immunization, Vaccine AvailabilityAbstract
Reliable routine immunization requires health facilities that can plan sessions, maintain the cold chain, deploy trained personnel, administer vaccines safely, manage data, and sustain commodity availability. This study assessed the preparedness of health facilities providing routine childhood immunization services in Benin City, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional assessment was conducted among 112 of 165 routine-immunization facilities selected through multistage sampling with proportionate allocation across three Local Government Areas. Routine-immunization focal persons were interviewed using a pretested electronic supportive-supervision checklist; records were reviewed, required items were inspected, and planned sessions were observed in 88 facilities. Data were summarized using frequencies and percentages. Most facilities had updated microplans, session plans, monitoring charts, and functional electrical or solar cold-chain equipment. Routine equipment maintenance and temperature charts were documented in most facilities, but fewer than half had a contingency plan for temperature excursions. During observed sessions, vaccine administration, immediate sharps disposal, tallying, and vaccination recording were generally appropriate. However, only about half of the sessions had all required antigens, with rotavirus vaccine most frequently unavailable. Essential materials and data tools were available in most observed sessions. Facilities demonstrated generally strong planning, cold-chain functionality, staff practices, and data-tool availability, but important gaps persisted in emergency cold-chain planning, session implementation, and uninterrupted vaccine supply. Strengthening contingency planning, last-mile distribution, and routine readiness monitoring may reduce missed opportunities for vaccination.
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