Measles Immunization Coverage in Somaliland

Measles cases reported in Somaliland was 1717 in 2012 of which 1200 (69.8%) were from Burao district. With children population of 60000 about 42000 children in Burao district were not immunized for measles. While the facts of low measles immunization coverage were undisputable the challenges facing measles immunization in Burao district remained largely un-documented. This study determined the challenges facing measles immunization coverage for 9 - 59 months old children in Burao district Somaliland. Guided by the Herd Immunity Theory and based on a cross-sectional survey of a two-stage cluster sample of 383 parents/caregivers data was collected using questionnaire and interview method in April 2015. The study found that that immunization of 9 - 59 months old children in Burao district did not depend on access factors (χ2 [8 N = 383] = 3.072 p = .881). But it was significantly dependent on awareness factors (χ2 [8 N = 383] = 215.990 p = .023 C = .600); and on conception of immunization (χ2 [8 N = 383] = 145.634 p = .018 C = .524). The study concluded that awareness is the major challenge facing immunization for 9 - 59 months old children in Burao district.