Using Polio GIS drawn maps to increase immunization coverage during mass immunization campaigns in northern Nigeria

Abstract Background . Before now, reaching all settlements by vaccinators during mass polio campaigns was a big challenge in northern Nigeria consequent of poor micro plans. This made the attainment of very high immunization coverage which is necessary to interrupt transmission of polio virus in the region difficult. The objective of this study was to devise a means to reach all settlements (BUAs, SSAs, Has) visible on satellite imagery and significantly increase the overall coverage during mass polio immunization campaigns. Methods . We provide the procedure by which geographic information system GIS drawn maps can be harnessed to improve immunization coverage. We also show the extent to which the maps increase immunization coverage when used to draw vaccination team micro plans in northern Nigeria. The method simply involves the provision of training on map comprehension to relevant health workers (IPDs personnel) followed by the demarcation of the ward polio GIS drawn maps into clusters of settlement areas – commensurate with the total number of vaccination teams allocated to the ward. The maps were then employed to guide IPDs personnel in providing polio immunization services to all households in the ward during the January 2019 mass polio immunization campaign. The study area was a distinct and homogeneous geographical area called Horserizum ward in Hong local government area of Adamawa state, Nigeria and all resident households or members of the communities (totaling 19,698 persons by the recent local census) in ward was the study population. Results . At the conclusion of the January campaign, the number of settlements in the Ward unreached by health workers (as shown by the GIS dashboard, www.vts.eocng.org) was compared to previous polio immunization campaigns when no GIS maps were used to guide vaccination activities. Results revealed an immunization coverage of 82% (for January 2019 campaign) versus 43% during the previous campaign held in December 2018. Conclusions . The results were statistically significant (P< 0.0000001, t = 5.175.) and we conclude that, using GIS maps to guide vaccination activities (GIS micro planning) has a very significant positive impact on immunization coverage.