Assessing the Delivery and Effectiveness of a New Immunisation Training Initiative at District Level in Zambia

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the training initiative to identify the challenges of immunisation at the district level in Zambia. The secondary objective was to assess the immediate impact of the training on the perceived competence of trainees who attended the Mid Level Management (MLM) course on immunisation. Methods: A needs assessment of the EPI programme in Zambia was conducted. Participants were assessed on their ability, competence, knowledge and skills in areas such as understanding the Reach Every District (RED) strategy, vaccine management, cold chain management, and immunisation monitoring. Based on these assessments, 12 areas were identified as of particular relevance, and the World Health Organisation MLM course manual was adapted to reflect them. Two groups of 25 participants were assessed at two different time points with an interval of six months. Results: There was a significant increase (p<0.05) after training in the participants' perceived ability, competence, knowledge and skills in all the targeted areas except for understanding the RED strategy, capacity to supervise immunisation activities and immunisation coverage. Conclusion: The two training groups showed significant improvement after training in perceived ability, competence, knowledge and skills in most targeted areas. To sustain high immunisation coverage, there is an urgent need to improve supportive supervisory visits and to have more frequent and regular MLM immunisation training workshops.