Decline in child immunization in rural Bangladesh: issues for policy implication

Abstract

The study was conducted on all the under two children living in 70 BRAC surveillance villages in 10 districts of Bangladesh. The data were collected in October 1996. A decline was observed in immunisation coverage in 1996 compared to 1995 coverage in the same area. However, the lowest coverage area like Kishoregonj showed an increase from 27.7 percent to 45.8 percent in one year. In high coverage districts with the immunisation rate more than 90 percent, there was a decline. Such district-wise variation was statistically significant (p<0.001). This effective and efficient way of reducing morbidity and mortality has started showing stagnation and in some areas a clear reversal. The study also reinforces the finding of some previous studies that parents education plays a significant role in child immunisation. Hence, the issue of developing much needed sociocultural infra-structure through education has an implication on policy planning.