A recent study has shed light on the factors contributing to the success of Rwanda’s Covid-19 and routine vaccination programs, as well as the obstacles that could hinder the vaccination of all children in the country. Currently, the vaccination coverage stands at an impressive 96 per cent.
The survey, conducted in February, was spearheaded by Rinda Ubuzima, a local health NGO, through the Turindane project, in collaboration with the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) and UNICEF. It spanned across five districts in Rwanda – Kirehe, Musanze, Gisagara, Gasabo, Nyagatare, and Rubavu, encompassing a diverse demographic, including women, men, and youth aged 18 and above, along with program managers and healthcare providers.
Presenting the survey findings at a dissemination meeting, Julien Mahoro Niyingabira, the Rwanda Health Communication Centre (RHCC) Division Manager, revealed that 70.63 per cent of participants accessed vaccine-related information through various community channels, with an overwhelming 99.89 per cent deeming the information useful. However, an alarming 88.91 per cent reported not receiving any information on vaccine side effects.
In terms of decision-making, 64.57 per cent of participants stated that both parents decide on vaccine uptake, while 55.66 per cent attributed vaccination responsibility to mothers. Additionally, 64.11 per cent preferred vaccine appointment reminders through vaccination cards, while 22.96 per cent favored SMS reminders.
Notably, 95.89 per cent of participants believed that the community had achieved complete vaccination, while younger individuals exhibited less confidence in routine vaccines, reflecting a potential knowledge gap. Niyingabira credited the success of Rwanda’s vaccination initiatives to comprehensive capacity-building for community health workers, their collaboration with healthcare providers, and the strategic use of Information, Education, and Communication materials (IECs) within health facilities.
The survey also highlighted challenges, including the distance to vaccination points from residences and congestion at vaccination sites. Marie Michele Umulisa, the Executive Director of Rinda Ubuzima, emphasized the need to extend vaccine availability to secondary health posts to ease accessibility for parents who struggle to reach health centers, resulting in missed vaccinations for their children. She also stressed the importance of increasing men’s involvement in taking children for vaccinations.
Dr. Hassan Sibomana, the EPI Manager for Rwanda at RBC, noted a positive trend, with 96 per cent of Rwandan children receiving all required vaccines, marking an increase from 76 per cent in 2000. However, he highlighted that the remaining 4 per cent of parents refrain from vaccinating their children due to poor understanding, misinformation, religious beliefs, and carelessness. Sibomana underscored the need for continued collaboration to achieve a 100 per cent vaccination rate.
In conclusion, the survey provides valuable insights into the successes, challenges, and recommendations for Rwanda’s vaccination programs, offering a roadmap for further enhancing the country’s immunization efforts.
