Assessing the factors associated with uptake of childhood immunization services among children aged 12 to 23 months in Eswatini

Abstract

Immunization is the use of vaccines on people, particularly children, to make them resistant to infectious diseases. The vaccines administered stimulate the body’s immune system for protection against subsequent infection. Primary prevention through immunization diverts finite health care resources, including financial and human resources, from treating vaccine-preventable diseases to other healthcare needs, therefore, reducing strain on health care systems. The Eswatini government aims to achieve the 90/80 targets by 2030 as part of the Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP). The interventions for immunization include routine immunization and supplementary immunization activities. Despite the concerted efforts, there has been a significant downward trend in immunization coverage in all four regions of Eswatini since 2012.