Submission ID 118425
| Issue/Objective | The objective of this study is to assess the integration of COVID-19 vaccination into RI and PHC in the DRC over a six-month period in USAID IHP supported provinces. This study aim s also to highlight successful strategies that should be sustained, identify challenges and areas for improvement, and provide lessons and recommendations from the vaccine deployment to enhance overall immunization systems and inform future investments in pandemic preparedness and response. |
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| Methodology/Approach | This mixed methods study assessed the integration of COVID-19 vaccination into Routine Immunization (RI) and Primary Health Care (PHC) in three provinces of the DRC. Data collection included key informant interviews and immunization registry data from selected health zones. Interviews were conducted with 18 key informants using WHO-adapted questionnaires. Secondary data from immunization registries was analyzed to observe vaccination trends pre- and post-integration. Data collection occurred between May 26 and June 27, 2024, qualitative and quantitative methods were used to examine changes in vaccination trends and assess the effectiveness of the COVID-19 package integration with ethical approvals from relevant boards. |
| Results | The study involved 18 informants, mostly registered nurses, across three provinces. About 50% reported full integration of COVID-19 vaccination into PHC and HSS, with 72.2% noting simultaneous administration with routine vaccinations. Challenges included vaccine stock-outs (50%) and misinformation (33.3%). Despite these, 94.4% stated integration did not disrupt routine vaccinations and even improved awareness. Capacity building was reported by 77.8%, though rural areas faced human resource issues. Outreach efforts included community meetings and discussions by health workers. Immunization registry data showed stable trends in Lomami and Tanganyika, with increased vaccinations in Haut Katanga. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | This study showed that integrating of COVID-19 vaccination into Primary health Care and Routine Immunization in the DRC was generally sucessful and even improve routine vaccina uptake. Key informant interviews and registry data indicated successful integration, positively impacting routine immunization. Challenges included vaccine stock-outs and misinformation, particularly in rural areas. Outreach efforts were mainly through community meetings and provider-patient discussions. Capacity building was generally positive, though rural areas faced resource issues. Immunization data showed stable trends in Lomami and increased vaccinations post-integration. |
| Presenters and affiliations | Narcisse Naia Embeke Intergrated Health Program Joseph Fataki General Reference Hospital Makala Aimée Lulebo Kinshasa School of Public Health |
