Barriers to measles immunization: the beliefs and attitudes of caregivers in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea

In Papua New Guinea, measles remains a public health problem and the majority of measles cases occur in non-immunized children. In Goroka, measles vaccine coverage for the 9-month-old group was 44%. The parents or caregivers are important in measles prevention as children's immunization depends on their compliance. This study aimed to determine the factors that hinder caregivers from having their children vaccinated for measles prevention in the Goroka District, Eastern Highlands Province. A cross-sectional study was conducted in July-August 2003, using pre-constructed questionnaires and interviews. There was a total of 120 respondents who were caregivers or parents of children whose ages ranged from 6 to 12 months and who attended health care centres where immunization services were provided. The main reasons for not bringing their children to clinic for immunization were: limited access to health centres, especially to maternal and child health (MCH) clinics; too long a waiting time at the clinic; concern that too many injections were being given to their children; the side-effects of the vaccine; being sent away and asked to come back the next day for immunization; and a bad reception from health workers. Funerals or election-related events in the area also affected the attendance at the clinic. In order to improve the vaccine coverage, the use of a mobile MCH clinic should be re-established. Health workers should utilize the opportunities to pass on necessary information on immunization to caregivers, as well as being mindful to use communication that will prevent misunderstanding by the mothers. It is important for all health workers to recognize that their performance and attitude can greatly improve the overall vaccine coverage in Papua New Guinea.

The epidemiology of malaria in the Papua New Guinea highlands: 3. Simbu Province

Two very distinct malaria zones can be found within Simbu Province. The north of the province is characterized by the absence or very low level of local malaria transmission, but there is a considerable risk of epidemics prevalent in the lower-lying parts. During non-epidemic periods, parasite prevalence was usually under 5%, with similar frequencies for Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax (47% each), and malaria was an only minor source of febrile illness. During epidemics, however, 13-36% of people were infected, predominantly with P. falciparum (64%), and high levels of severe morbidity were present. In south Simbu malaria is clearly endemic with an overall prevalence of 35%, combined with a strong age-dependence of infections, low haemoglobin levels, high rates of enlarged spleen and moderate to severe anaemia (haemoglobin level < 7.5 g/dl) in children. The malaria epidemiology in south Simbu is thus more similar to the lowlands than to other highlands areas. Epidemic prevention, surveillance and response in the north, and bednet distribution and strengthening of curative services in the south, are therefore the priorities for malaria control in Simbu Province.