THE STUDY ON NUMBER OF CHILDREN BEING IMMUNIZED AGAINST MEASLES

 
This study was conducted to know the years that have the highest and least number of children immunization against measles in Kogi State between the period of 2004-2009 using percentage, multiple bar-chart and time series analysis (least square and moving average) The sample of the study consist of six years immunization programme in the state. The data collected was secondary and will represent in table chart, percentage and analyze by semi-average, least square and moving average methods.
 
In order to attain the health for all, it is very important that an attempt has to be made to address diseases burdens and other health problems that significantly contribute to the poor health status of Nigeria. Base on this, there is need to mount urgent and appropriate health interventions capable of achieving this prime goal.  The main goal of the policy is to develop and promote immunization programmes geared toward reduction of childhood morbidity and mortality through adequate immunization coverage of all at-risk population. In view of this, we have to provide the guideline and framework for proper implementation of an immunization schedule for the target and at-risk population. To established a comprehensive guidelines to assure compliance with the plans to detect, control or eliminate the occurrence of vaccine preventable diseases (VPDS).
National programme on immunization (NPI) has the primary mandate to protect children and adult alike, as the case may be against vaccine presentation diseases (VPD). Namely: Diphtheria, Pertusis (Whooping Cough) Poliomyelitis, Tuberculosis, Teltanus, hepatitis Measles, Yellow Fever and Cerebrospinal Meningitis. National programme on immunization (NPI) is a policy of the Federal Government of Nigeria to provide immunization services and potent vaccine free to all population at-risk of vaccine preventable diseases.
1.2 OPERATIONALIZATION OF NATURAL PROGRAMME ON IMMUNIZATION (NPI) ACTIVITIES IN KOGI STATE
Two broad strategies are adopted in immunization activities. These are as follow.
1.  Routine immunization
2.  Supplemental immunization
ROUTINE IMMUNIZATION SERVICES: These are both public and private offered at the health facility level and at the outreaches.
SUPPLEMENTAL IMMUNIZATION ACTIVITIES: Are rendered as a cateh-up strategy to boost coverage of a particular citizen. These are C.S.M. Campaign, Measles Campaign, Polio eradication campaign NID, SNIDs, LIDs Maltiple citizen administration campaign.  To achieve high and adequate reduction or elimination of the (VPD), the required operational requirement include.
ACTIVE DISEASE SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM: This compress of active case search incident and occurrence of diseases.
COLD CHAIN: This is a life wife of immunization activities cold chain system is maintained from the state to LGA to health facility to the recipient. The cold chain equipment status is as attach pleases.
SOCIAL MOBILIZATION: We have NPI social mobilization committee, at state level, and in each of the 21 LGAs.
The member of the committee plan and implement various mobilization activities and airing of jingles and announcement on the radio and television, town announcement, Radio and television, town announcement holding meetings with religious and traditional leaders.
INNOVATION AT THE STATE LEVEL
The appointment of NPI desk officers for each LGA is very important. The officers are from the state NPI office. They will be responsible for the training and supervision of routine immunization services. The desk officers will aids in data collection and data analysis at the LGA level.
Focal officers will be appointed at ward level routine immunization from each LGA. The arrangements are in place to train the officer to increase, their performance on the filed.
Immunization activities will be adapts. This scheme encourages individual or corporation to assist the TI activities in their ward or settlement of residence.
The items such as fuel motorcycle and fridges or it could be in cash, will be required inform of assistance.
FUNDING FOR NPI PROGRAMME
The following agencies partner to render assistance for implementation of NPI activities in various forms, namely: WHO, UNICEF, USAID, PTF, EU. Prime, Rotary international and NGOs. Their funding are mostly through NPI Headquarter Abuja.
STRENGTH:
High political commitment at state level and some LGA too
Commitment of UN Agency personnel
Maintenance and availability of cold chain equipment at state and few LGAs
Two vehicles donated to the state by NPI and other partners.
MAJOR CONSTRAINTS
Lack of monthly imprest for NPI activities at the state and LGA level, for collection & distribution.
Inadequate cold chain equipment-fridges, fressers
Due to poor usage and maintenance NPI vehicles are broken down.
Lack of stand by generator set for cold room
Inability of some LGAs to collect and store vaccine for RI
1.3     AIMS AND OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
To determine the percentage of children immunize in Kogi State.
To compare the number of children immunized in the Kogi State using multiple bar charts
To determine the trend on the level of immunization against measles in Kogi State.
1.4     SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY
This research will aids in policy making and increase knowledge on routine immunization in Kogi State. It will also be useful in evaluating the performance of existing population policies and programme aim at promoting immunization programme.
1.5     SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF STUDY
This research work is limited to the out break of communicable disease (Measles) in Kogi State, considering the 21 Local Areas, due to conveniences and financial constraints on the part of the researcher. This constraints and limitation should be look into as the data will be use for the generalization about the general populace.
1.7     DEFINITION OF TERMS
IMMUNIZATION: Is the act of introducing a particular antigen into the body to fight against a specific disease e.g. Bacteria and Measles.
MEASLES: Is a very infectious diseases, illness cause by a virus (paramyxo virus).
VACCINES: Are antigen use for prevention of specific communicable diseases.