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Immunization campaigns provide more equitable access to childhood vaccinations compared to maternal health services

An analysis of survey data in Latin America and Caribbean countries found that DPT3 coverage rates among indigenous children were significantly lower than in children of European or mixed ethnicity in three out of 14 countries, while significant inequities between these groups in coverage of maternal health services, such as antenatal care and delivery by a skilled birth attendant, existed in most of the countries. The greater equity in access to childhood vaccination by ethnic group may be because vaccinations are often delivered in the communities through immunization campaigns, whereas maternal health services require accessing health facilities, which may incur user fees and transportation costs.

Full Citation:
Mesenburg MA, Restrepo-Mendez MC, Amigo H et al.. 2018. Ethnic group inequalities in coverage with reproductive, maternal and child health interventions: cross-sectional analyses of national surveys in 16 Latin America and Caribbean countries. Lancet Global Health. 6(8).

Title of Article: Ethnic group inequalities in coverage with reproductive, maternal and child health interventions: cross-sectional analyses of national surveys in 16 Latin America and Caribbean countries

Author(s): Mesenburg MA, Restrepo-Mendez MC, Amigo H et al.

Publication Year: 2018

Publication Name: Lancet Global Health

Publication Volume: 6(8)

Publication Source URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6057134/pdf/main.pdf

DOI (Digital Object Identifier): 10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30300-0