Immunization in 12 African countries, 1982-1993

Individual chapters provide: (1) an overview of the epidemiology of immunization-preventable diseases, including key aspects of the diseases and the vaccines used to control them, concluding with an extensive bibliography of articles relevant to Africa; (2) a historical review of immunization in Africa from colonial epidemic control teams to the present; (3) a case study of EPI in Togo; (4) a brief summary of immunization in the 12 countries; (5) a summary of the basic elements of immunization: policy, strategy, logistics, training, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation; (6) summaries of 10 CCCD-supported applied research reports -- 3 each on measles and poliomyelitis, 2 on reducing missed opportunities for vaccination, 1 on neonatal tetanus, and 1 on the benefits of integrating EPI with family planning services; and (7) an adaptation of the A.I.D. Africa Bureau immunization policy paper. A final chapter presents findings, conclusions, and recommendations. According to the report, expanding EPI coverage to 95% from its current level of 80% while adding vaccines against hepatitis B and yellow fever as well as vitamin A and iodine supplements during the first year of life would have the highest cost-effectiveness of any health measures available in the world today.