Transient population bypassed by polio vaccination programmes in Yunnan Province, China

Strengthening health system to improve immunization for migrants in China

Background

Immunization is the most cost-effective method to prevent and control vaccine-preventable diseases. Migrant population in China has been rising rapidly, and their immunization status is poor. China has tried various strategies to strengthen its health system, which has significantly improved immunization for migrants.

Methods

This study applied a qualitative retrospective review method aiming to collect, analyze and synthesize health system strengthening experiences and practices about improving immunizations for migrants in China. A conceptual framework of Theory of Change was used to extract the searched literatures. 11 searched literatures and 4 national laws and policies related to immunizations for migrant children were carefully studied.

Results

China mainly employed 3 health system strengthening strategies to significantly improve immunization for migrant population: stop charging immunization fees or immunization insurance, manage immunization certificates well, and pay extra attentions on immunization for special children including migrant children. These health system strengthening strategies were very effective, and searched literatures show that up-to-date and age-appropriate immunization rates were significantly improved for migrant children.

Conclusions

Economic development led to higher migrant population in China, but immunization for migrants, particularly migrant children, were poor. Fortunately various health system strengthening strategies were employed to improve immunization for migrants in China and they were rather successful. The experiences and lessons of immunization for migrant population in China might be helpful for other developing countries with a large number of migrant population.

Ending polio immunisation: stars and gutters

Although we are moving towards eradication, risks remain. The number of people at risk of polio paralysis has been seriously underestimated, as has the danger of escape of polioviruses from laboratories. Virulent strains, still used in the US, should be destroyed. Surveillance of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) and tracing suspected cases is difficult and still uncertain in many countries. The crucial definition by WHO of polio paralysis as asymmetric is ambiguous and misleading: in the Indian sub-continent and elsewhere, 75% have received unnecessary injections for fever 48 h before paralysis. These injections alter the severity and pattern of paralysis: 50% of Indian cases have symmetrical paralysis by limb and 25% by muscle. Eradication of polio promises a New Deal for Health, it must succeed.