Researchers: Mantshi Menziwa and Helen Lewis

This study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of caregivers and health workers towards the uptake of immunisation in the Odi health region of the North West Province. Focus group interviews were conducted with caregivers at the Boekenhout Well Baby Clinic. Participants were divided into 6 focus groups of 8 members to encourage active participation and more focus on the small group. Despite the assurance on confidentiality of the information given and protection of their identity, most participants were not keen to spontaneously share their experiences with the health care providers at the clinic. Continuous reassurance encouraged them to open up; most of them reported a negative attitude from the health professionals. Caregivers were often turned back with sick children, health workers would advise them on the preparation and use of home remedies in a harsh manner. They often were made to feel incapable of caring for their children, thus many opted to manage minor ailments at home. Responses indicated that the participants took their children to the health care facilities for immunisation; any side effects like pyrexia were managed with Panado issued from the clinic. It is however evident that an investment in strategies that identify and personalise the salience of childhood immunisation and that acknowledge social/environmental barriers may improve educational efforts to increase childhood immunisation delivery. Interventions solely aimed at increasing demand without accompanying improvements in the services offered, are likely to result in only limited increases in vaccination coverage.