Visits to target oblasts in the Russian Federation for diphtheria prevention and control October 1995.

In October 1995 two staff members of the Basic Support for Institutionalizing Child Survival Project (BASICS) went to Russia and made field visits to Novgorod and Voronezh Oblasts to collect information on the current diphtheria epidemic and control efforts and on routine immunization services. They aimed to identify areas of possible BASICS involvement within information education and communication (IEC); diphtheria control and immunization system support. Health personnel have been able to stay on top of the epidemic. All levels of the health department and the Sanitary Epidemiological Station have worked closely together in the oblasts contributing to a decline in the diphtheria incidence. Over the last 18 months immunization coverage has increased markedly. Almost 90% of adults in the oblasts have received one dose of the tetanus diphtheria vaccine. Districts plan on providing a second dose to certain risk groups. The system of record-keeping and tracking of immunization status of children and adults works well. Supplies of diphtheria vaccine meet diphtheria control needs. One of the oblasts has a problem with financing syringes. Routine home visits to children continue but those to the elderly and pensioners are faltering. Efforts to immunize hard-to-reach groups (e.g. alcoholics) have been successful. Current public health communication methods material and human resources products and strategies appear to be inadequate for overcoming public and professional resistance to immunization. These communications should not be limited to the mass media. Oblast workers are open to modern communication approaches. Health authorities need to cultivate relations with the mass media. The Russia/US Public Health Communications Project needs a steering group at the national level and at each participating oblast to be effective.