WHO and Rajshahi City Corporation implemented electronic immunization registration in a unique pilot project in Bangladesh. Successful implementation of the online registration will help the city corporation to reach full coverage of immunization for children aged between 0 to 23 months.
“We are advancing in implementing digital health solutions to help health workers tracking down the immunization history of every child, and to make sure no one is left behind.” said Dr Rajendra Bohara, WHO Communicable Diseases team leader.
WHO developed the registration software and provided tablets to health workers that for two months, together with volunteers, swapped the entire City Corporation, ensuring full registration of all children less than 23 months and their vaccination history.
The electronic vaccination register aims to reduce immunization drop out by allowing health workers to monitor the vaccination history of children. The system is able to track children in need of vaccines, identify the ones who are delayed, and send SMS alerts to the parents for the upcoming immunization phases.
“One of the most common reasons for immunization drop out is that the parents forget when they have to bring children for the next vaccine. Complete immunization course is essential for being protected against deadly communicable diseases such as Measles and Rubella, Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria etc.” added Dr Bohara.
Over 300 field health workers, paramedics, nurses and medical doctors have been trained to conduct electronic registrations.
Following the completion of the immunization, a vaccination certificate is issued. First vaccination certificates generated from electronic system have been distributed during World Immunization Week at a ceremony hosted by Rajshahi City Corporation.
