Vaccination status and seroprevalence of measles and polio antibodies in 1-6-year-old children in the Elim health ward of Gazankulu.

Seroprevalence was used to evaluate the vaccination programme in the Elim health ward of Gazankulu. Antibodies to measles and polio were measured in 1-6-year-old children together with vaccination status. In 224 children studied using a cluster sampling technique, vaccine coverage was found to be 86% for measles and over 90% for polio and diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus.

Knowledge and practice of oral rehydration therapy in a village in Gazankulu after the introduction of the Morley spoon.

Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) is effective in preventing dehydration during acute gastro-enteritis, thus decreasing morbidity and mortality. There is, however, reluctance among mothers and child-minders to use ORT when faced with the crisis of acute diarrhoea. This study describes the effects of a health education campaign, using the Morley (sugar and salt) spoon, on knowledge and practice of ORT in one community in Gazankulu, and compares care group (CG) with non-care group (non-CG) members.

Vaccination status of under-5s in northern Gazankulu, 1985.

An assessment of the immunisation status of children under the age of 5 years in the Elim health ward was undertaken in September 1985. A modified EPI technique for random cluster sampling was used. The advantages of this modification are discussed.

Provision of immunisation--the Gazankulu experience.

Following the outbreak of poliomyelitis in Gazankulu in 1982, the immunisation services in Gazankulu were thoroughly examined. As a result of this, a comprehensive immunisation policy for Gazankulu was accepted in November 1986. The broad aim of the policy is to provide effective immunisation to all Gazankulu residents against tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, poliomyelitis and measles.

Vaccine cold-chain status in the Elim health ward of Gazankulu.

The vaccine cold-chain is a fundamental component of any immunisation programme. This study used chemical-based temperature indicators to monitor the cold-chain constantly in the Elim Hospital health ward of Gazankulu. It was found that the cold-chain was adequately maintained at the hospital, but that as vaccine travelled towards the periphery severe breaks in the cold-chain occurred.