Canadian research initiative seeks to increase child vaccination rates in developing countries

Research published today in a supplement entitled ‘The fallacy of coverage: uncovering disparities to improve immunization rates through evidence‘ explains why some children in developing countries are not receiving vaccines. The supplement, published in BMC International Health and Human Rights also shows how targeted, low-cost interventions can increase vaccination rates, at times doubling or tripling the odds of children being vaccinated.  

The supplement, funded by the Canadian International Immunization Initiative Phase 2, consists of thirteen articles, based on research conducted across the globe. In Pakistan, researchers found that discussions with communities about the costs and benefits of getting their children vaccinated can actually increase immunization rates. While in Burkina Faso, children are not being immunized even though the father has given permission to do so. The study from this country helps to show how this can be changed.

Immunization can and does save lives, contributing to reducing child mortality rates. The results from this project confirm the fact that if resources are well targeted and based on evidence, they can have a huge impact on children’s lives.

This five-year research initiative was launched in September 2003, as part of a larger program funded by the Canadian International Development Agency and as part of the Global Health Research Initiative.

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