Analysis of the Performance of Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) for Four Child Killer Diseases under the Military and Civilian Regimes in Nigeria, 1995-1999; 2000-2005

Abstract

This paper presents a review of the policy guidelines and targets of EPI in Nigeria, analysis of the distribution and performance of EPI in the country from 1995 - 2005, including regime type impact of the military and civilian regimes in determining performance. Data collection for the study was mainly through documentary research, featuring a critical analysis of relevant documents relating to EPI in Nigeria. The growth analysis indicates that polio vaccines had the highest average percentage change over the years at about 8%, while measles antigen had the least average change at 0.4%. For all the antigens, the year with the least change over the previous year was 1998 at -32.9%, while the highest change was recorded in 1997 at 59.3%.Further analysis based on the regime type indicates an average increment of 5.6% in the performance achieved during the civilian regime, while no percentage growth occurred during the military era, which means that the implementation of the EPI during the military was averagely static. The civilian regime performed better than the military in the administration and implementation of all the antigens except Polio vaccine. In conclusion, the performance of the EPI in Nigeria has not yet reached the target stated in the policy guidelines, which has direct implication on the preparedness and ability of Nigeria to achieve one of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) of ensuring child health and survival by eradicating the major child killer diseases in the country.