CHILDHOOD IMMUNIZATION AMONG INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDPS) OF UNDER FIVE-YEARS FROM NORTH WAZIRISTAN AGENCY, PAKISTAN: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Immunization is an important and cost effective public health tool for controlling Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPDs) among children. Developing countries have low level of immunization coverages. This is further compromised during armed conflicts and disasters with displacement of vulnerable populations leading to VPDs outbreaks. Tribal areas of Pakistan have been subjected to armed conflict for a long time with massive population displacement. METHODS: We conducted a cross sectional survey to assess the vaccination status of child under five of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) of North Waziristan Agency (NWA) of Pakistan. We used a structured questionnaire to collect information from the caregivers in the IDP camp of Bannu, Khyber Pakhtukhwa. RESULTS: Overall immunization coverage was very low. Out of 480 children under 5 years, less than one-third (30.6%) were vaccinated against BCG, about a quarter (27.7%) had received the Pentavalent and measles vaccines. However, OPV coverage was excellent mostly amid to polio mass campaigns. CONCLUSION: Routine immunization coverage among the IDPs of North Waziristan agency in Pakistan is extremely poor. There is a need to improve the coverage to optimum level to avert any potential VPD outbreaks.