Quality of Vaccination Provision in the Second Year of Life in Health Facilities in the Rural Commune of Koubri, Burkina Faso

Abstract

Introduction: The introduction of the Measles, Rubella (MR) vaccine and the Meningitis (Men A) vaccine in the second year of life in the expanded immunization program is a strategy for strengthening vaccine immunity in children. However, the quality of this strategy seems to be poorly documented in Burkina Faso. This study aims to assess the quality of the vaccination offer in the second year of life in health facilities in the rural commune of Koubri. Methodology: This was a mixed sequential explanatory design. The quantitative component focused on the quality of vaccination. As data collection tools, we used a self-administered questionnaire, an observation grid and a document analysis grid. The qualitative component explored the perception of vaccination from the perspective of mothers and health personnel. We based our approach on the integrative quality assessment model, which served as the analytical framework. Results: The results show that in terms of quality, the storage of vaccines in refrigerators was not consistent in all health facilities. Also, temperature readings are not taken daily and hand hygiene is not observed by staff before and after vaccination. Nevertheless, the usefulness of vaccines is perceived positively by staff and mothers of children. Conclusion: The study reveals major shortcomings in compliance with vaccination chain standards, thus compromising the quality and safety of vaccination. However, the positive perception of the usefulness of vaccines according to stakeholders is an asset to be capitalized on. These results call for strengthening supervision, ongoing training and rigorous monitoring of vaccination practices with a view to sustainably improving the quality of services.