Promotional Model: A New Direction for National Program in Immunization (NPI) and Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) in Nigeria

Abstract

The National Program on Immunization (NPI), formerly known as the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) and Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT), were relaunched in1984 after the problems of vaccine supply have been corrected. The NPI aimed to protect children against six childhood killer disease and ORT, to remedy dehydration. In order to achieve these objectives, Partner-in-Health strategy was set up to educate, convince and motivate mothers, pregnant women and community to accept the programme. To assess the effect of the promotional strategy, the government conducted National Immunization Coverage survey. The survey found lack of information and motivation as key components of immunization failure. After an evaluation of promotional strategy set up by the Government, a pilot survey was conducted from which nine promotional elements were selected. These promotional elements were regarded of sources of information and motivation. Based on these, a promotional model was set up witch stated that promotion depends of consumer information which in turn depends on the extent of interaction between consumer and promotional elements. The implication of the model is the need for formation of Public Health Organization from Public Health Committee at all levels of Government.