ABSTRACT
Immunization has proven to be one of the most significant and successful advances developed by human species in diseases prevention. Immunization is a cost-effective public health intervention aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality associated with infectious diseases. Over the years, substantial government and development partners' resources have been invested so as to reduce mortality rate.
Though immunization coverage in Nigeria has increased, yet Kaduna state remains one of the areas in Northern Nigeria that still recorded higher mortality rate as a result of vaccines preventable diseases. The administration of immunization in Nigeria is the responsibility of the three tiers of government; the actual delivery of immunization is the responsibility of the Local Government (LG). Studies indicate that Local Governments (LGs) service provisions in Nigeria have been ineffective in spite of reform measures and increasing funding from the federation account.
The purpose of this study is to find out the extent to which Local Governments in Kaduna State have been able to deliver immunization service to local communities and identify possible factors that contribute to low coverage in the state. To achieve this objective the study hypothesized that, Government efforts at immunization has produced positive outcome; the availability and competence of personnel affect the success of immunization program; the higher the level of funding and other support, the more likely the success of the immunization service delivery. Success of immunization delivery is a function of sociocultural factors; success of immunization delivery depends on effective management.
Six LGs were selected from the three senatorial districts in the state. Both primary and secondary sources of data were utilized. In the case of primary data, interviews and focus group discussion (FGD) were conducted with women and health personnels to elicit their views on immunization services delivery, while questionnaires were administered to staff respondents on the outcome of immunization.
Existing literature related to immunization especially journals, CBN statistical bulletin, conference proceedings and PhD theses as well as unpublished documents were reviewed. Data gathered were subjected to correlation test using SPSS software. The results indicated a high level of peoples' cooperation on the immunization exercise due to the increase of government and international organization' commitment on the eradication of six killer diseases in the state.
The results further indicated strong and positive correlation between Government efforts at immunization and positive outcome, funding, availability and competence of personnel, effective management, socio-cultural factor and the success of immunization service delivery. The study suggested the need to increase the number of health personnel at the LG level and the level of funding of immunization so as to complement development partners' efforts.
