Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Routine Immunization Programs in Northern Nigeria

Eric Osamudiamwen Aigbogun (), Raihanah Ibrahim, Yusuf Yusufari, Uchenna Igbokwe, Chimelu Okongwu, Amina Abdulkarim, Hussaini Tijanni, Maina Modu, Rabiu Muhammad Fagge and Muyi Aina
Additional contact information
Eric Osamudiamwen Aigbogun: Solina Centre for International Development and Research, 8 Libreville Street, Abuja 904101, Nigeria
Raihanah Ibrahim: Solina Centre for International Development and Research, 8 Libreville Street, Abuja 904101, Nigeria
Yusuf Yusufari: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, 45 Aguiyi Ironsi St., Abuja 904101, Nigeria
Uchenna Igbokwe: Solina Centre for International Development and Research, 8 Libreville Street, Abuja 904101, Nigeria
Chimelu Okongwu: Solina Centre for International Development and Research, 8 Libreville Street, Abuja 904101, Nigeria
Amina Abdulkarim: Solina Centre for International Development and Research, 8 Libreville Street, Abuja 904101, Nigeria
Hussaini Tijanni: Kano State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Kano-Zaria Rd, Kano 700282, Nigeria
Maina Modu: Borno State Emergency Routine Immunization Coordination Centre, No 2 off Damboa Road, Maiduguri 600282, Nigeria
Rabiu Muhammad Fagge: McKing Consulting Corporation, 2900 Chamblee Tucker Rd. Building 10, Ste. 100, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
Muyi Aina: Solina Centre for International Development and Research, 8 Libreville Street, Abuja 904101, Nigeria

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 17, 1-21

Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on routine immunization (RI) programs in six northern Nigerian states: Bauchi, Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Sokoto, and Yobe. This was a cross-sectional analytical study that compared programmatic data from 2019 and 2020, as well as survey data collected during the pandemic. RI program variables included service delivery, leadership and governance, monitoring and evaluation/supportive supervision, community engagement, vaccine supply chains, and health finance and management. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 23, IBM), Student’s t -test, and structural equation modeling. The results showed that RI programs were affected by the pandemic in terms of reduced meetings and low completion rates for action points in certain states. However, routine immunization support services increased owing to improved monitoring techniques and consistent vaccine deliveries, with fewer reports of stockouts. The most significant impact of the pandemic was observed on activities coordinated at the healthcare facility level, whereas those at the state level were less impacted. The major challenges encountered during the pandemic included insufficient supplies and consumables, movement restrictions, shortages of human resources, and fear of infection. In building a more resilient health system, governments and non-state actors will need to invest in strengthening delivery mechanisms at the core implementation level with a focus on facilities and communities.

Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic; routine immunization programs; service delivery; northern Nigeria (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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