Revision of Where are we at with Routine Immunization. from 9:13pm Mar 3, 2014

I was reviewing Robert Steinglass's Routine Immunization: An Essential but Wobbly Platform.

Just 3 quotes from a very interesting paper seem to sum up his assessment of the present state of routine immunization.

"taken for granted"

"rhetorical attention"

"scant support"

I was somewhat taken aback by these comments. They seemed harsh. The ultimate test of course is under 5 mortality rates. A very significant % of under 5s deaths can be prevented with the full course of core immunisations.

Based on the most recent UNICEF State of the World's Children data, 17 countries still have under 5 mortality rates in excess of 100 per 1,000 live deaths; and, 57 countries have an under 5 mortality rate in excess of 50 per 1,000 live births.

These seem very high figures given the child health investments since 1990 (to take one baseline). Steinglass summarises the situation as follows: "(Routine) coverage levels are poor in some countries and have stagnated in others”

1. Does this analysis "ring true" for your situation?
2. What strategies do you suggest to "move" this issue?

Thanks for sharing your thoughts - Warren