Lessons from implementing a mass vaccination campaign in a highly-urbanized city in the Philippines

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To document the the processes and outcomes of a measles-rubella supplemental immunization activity implemented in Pasay City, Philippines.METHODS: Review of proceedings of meetings, memoranda, manuals, and reports. Interviews with field monitors, supervisors and vaccination teams, and key members of the project technical group.RESULTS: A total of 60,685 children age 9 to >72 months were reached during the campaign, representing 75% of the estimated eligible population. On the other hand, 1,453 children were unimmunized because of [a] scheduled or documented prior immunization with a measles-containing vaccine (n = 1,154), and [b] refusal of parents due to religious or cultural reasons (n = 237). The successful completion of the measles-rubella supplemental immunization activity (MR-SIA) was grounded on appropriate timing of project implementation; a clearly identified problem; the existence of linkages between stakeholders at the national and sub-national level; strong local chief executive support; the availability of resources to support project implementation; a clear policy statement; and implementation policy guided by an organizational structure and tailored project plans.CONCLUSION: In this paper, we have shown that the success of public health programs and projects rely not only on technical soundness of the intervention or adequate resource mobilization, but require wide grassroots support that is guided by an able leadership and clear policy.