Immunization is an essential service which risks being disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The halt of immunization services, even for brief periods, can raise the likelihood of outbreak-prone Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPDs) which would be catastrophic for health systems already battling COVID-19.
In 2019, measles caused more than 6 000 deaths in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a country which was fighting its largest Ebola outbreak. In Zimbabwe, a number of district hospitals and clinics in Masvingo Province had suspended essential health services as a result of COVID-19. Reasons for initial stoppage of services included healthcare worker fear of contracting COVID-19; a lack of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and facilities preparing for upsurge of COVID-19 cases. Communities were also reluctant to use health facilities for fear of contracting COVID-19.
Drawing from lessons learnt in DRC, the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC), backed by the WHO, undertook a mission to Masvingo Province to provide support for COVID-19 response activities and assess the continuity of essential services provision in the province.
The visit found that areas with closer facility proximity performed better at continuing vaccination programs. In areas without close facility proximity, the experts determined that monthly community outreach was necessary to meet the vaccination needs of children in marginalized areas.
Other best practices determined were consistent and timely monitoring of performance of immunization services and prioritization of essential services provision.
Training for nurses on COVID-19 protection and control helped continue vaccination programs for children. Taking advantage of food distribution points officials were able to remind mothers to get their children vaccinated.
Other key recommendations for Masvingo provinces included increasing funding and logistical support for outreach services as well as involving stakeholders, community leaders and communities early during crises like COVID-19 to help build resilient health systems.