Estimation of infant vaccination coverage at national and region level in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION: an increasing trend of routine immunization performance has generally been observed over the past decade in Ethiopia. However, inconsistencies were observed over time and among different sources of data. This review analyzed systematically data from various sources and produced regional and national coverage estimates for antigens offered in the infant immunization program in Ethiopia. METHODS: we collated data from administrative reports, population-based surveys and other sources to produce annual estimates of vaccination coverage. We obtained relevant data for each of the 9 Regional States and 2 city administrations, for the period 2007-2016. Region level estimates were produced based on survey results, interpolation between or extrapolation. We aggregated the resulting region level estimates, using a population-weighted approach, to give national estimates. RESULTS: we found that the national Penta 3 coverage of Ethiopia increased from 59% in 2007 to 71% in 2016. For the 110 vaccination estimates produced at region level, 71 were based on interpolation or extrapolation from empirical anchor points; 18% were based on surveys and 17% were based on administrative data. CONCLUSION: while we recognize the critical importance of improving the quality of information on vaccination coverage from administrative reporting systems, we are also cognizant of the expected continued need for region level surveys and improved rapid-monitoring exercises.