Background

Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) in Ethiopia was launched in 1980. Routine EPI reports have shown high dropout rate, high antigen wastage and low TT dose coverage in Tigray region and Wukro town. Therefore aim of this study was to Evaluation the Implementation status of immunization program in Wukro town, Eastern Tigray, North Ethiopia

Method and Materials

Mixed A community-based cross-sectional study designs methods were employed in Wukro town. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 248 mothers who have less than 24 months aged children and 192 pregnant mothers. All quantitative data cleaned, edited and entered into SPSS software version 20 for analysis by principal evaluator.

For qualitative data, 50 clients who came to health center for the vaccination service observed and Sampled 12 documents of last 24 months reviewed and resource inventoried. Observation/inspection and document review was analyzed manually using thematic and content analysis and results are presented in narrative form. Finally data from different sources triangulated to produce valid information. The program components are judged based on the set criteria of the judgment matrix analysis to declare the implementation status of immunization program. Five (excellent, very good, good, low and very low) Criteria are well implemented.

Result

The study participants reported that immunization program is solving a common health problem in the area. All the health institutions are secured the necessary resources. It was noted that immunization service accessibility and Client satisfaction was 100% (34.8% good, 19.3% better and 45.9%were excellent). Plan verse achievement confirmed that penta3, measles and full immunization coverage was 98.3%, 90.3 and 90.3 which is very important and good. Qualitative study showed that there is harmonized reporting schedule from HEWs up to regional health bureau and using standard report format complete and 95% accurate data reports were arrived on time through email and hard copies.

Conclusion

Comparing the study results with the evaluation judgment criteria the availability, acceptability, compliance and data quality dimensions are good. In general, the overall achievement of the immunization program in the town is good.

Key words: Evaluation, Implementation status, Immunization program, cross-sectional study,