Evaluation of the introduction of hepatitis B vaccination at birth in the Hambol region of Ivory Coast.

MSF has been supporting a programme of the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene (MSHP) of Ivory Coast in the Hambol region since 2014. This project consists in improving infant and maternal morbidity and mortality within the maternity ward of the Regional Hospital (Katiola) and peripheral health structures. For the purposes of this project, prenatal consultation coverage is considered a major objective.

In addition, the Ministry of Health of Ivory Coast has introduced into its action plan for the expanded programme of immunization the administration of hepatitis B vaccine at birth. In Hambol, this vaccination was initiated in April 2018 before being extended to the rest of the country.

Epicentre will evaluate this project to document the immunization coverage achieved, its acceptability by parents and caregivers in order to provide operational recommendations to the Ministry of Health, which has decided to introduce this vaccination to the entire new-born population in the country.