Figure 10: Vaccine coverage rates 2008-2012
Source: HMIS data
295.
As a result of the EPI programme, the GoSL has seen a significant reduction in the
morbidity prevalence and mortality rates for Acute Respiratory Infections, Measles
and Polio among children under the age of 5 years. Sierra Leone has not identified
any Wild Polio Virus since April 2010 and has achieved Maternal and Neonatal
Tetanus elimination status in 2013.
296.
In moving forward, the GoSL will continue to address the ongoing challenges of
higher drop-out rates after first doses and capacity to support the ever-expanding
immunization programme. It will continue to roll out and strengthen its outreach
delivery models and special event campaigns. In addition, the EPI programme
is working with other child survival programmes to develop full integrated child
survival interventions across service delivery platforms to increase coverage and
impact and reduce costs. For example, the Rotavirus vaccine will be integrated into
key environmental health and sanitation initiatives such as the WASH campaign.
297.
In collaboration with its development partners, the GoSL will continue to introduce
new and under-used vaccines like the Rota-virus vaccine, HOV, Measles second
dose, Hepatitis B at birth and switch from Measles to a combined Measles-Rubella,
and from a Tetanus Toxoid to a Tetanus diphtheria vaccine for women of child
bearing age.
298.
The expansion of the cold chain system at all levels of the health system will be a
priority to address findings of an Effective Vaccine Management Assessment and
to accommodate the additional capacity needs brought about by the introduction of
new vaccines.
Malaria prevention and treatment
299.
80
Malaria is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity among children under five in
Sierra Leone. It accounts for about 50% of outpatient treatments, with the mortality
attributed to malaria being estimated to 33 percent among the under-5 age group
and 25 percent for all ages. The disease is endemic with perennial transmission in
Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone Initial Report on the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child 2002-2014