Ethical challenges in the implementation of immunization programme in Uganda: a case study of Kitagata Sub county, Bushenyi District

Abstract

The research study explored the ethical challenges in the implementation of the Immunization programme in Uganda using Kitagata Sub County, Bushenyi district as a case study. The study set to establish: the community perceptions towards immunization programme; the achievements of the immunization programme and the factors hindering the implementation of immunization programme in the area under study.

The researcher gathered primary data using interviews, questionnaires and focus group discussions and also secondary data which were obtained through analyzing the available literature from books, reports and journals. The study consisted of 75 respondents who were selected using both stratified and purposive sampling techniques.

The study established that traditional beliefs, limited levels of education, poor transport means and limited funds allocated to the health ministry coupled with inadequacy of health workers were some of the major factors hindering the full implementation of the immunization programme in Kitagata Sub County and Uganda as whole.

The study concluded that traditional beliefs are still a serious threat to the full implementation of immunization Programme. It also concluded that one’s perception towards a government Programme will always be determined by the level of education with the educated showing more positive responses than the uneducated. Finally, the study stressed that despite the challenges of the Programme, immunization has managed to reduce infant mortality rate in Kitagata sub county Bushenyi district in particular and Uganda as a whole.

The study therefore recommended that government needs to move fast and address the above challenges if the full implementation of the Programme is to be realized. For example, there is need to involve all local leaders and politicians even those in the opposition in the mobilization of the communities. Some sections of the society have worked towards the failure of the programme simply because they are less involved in the programme implementation. For any programme to be successful there is always need to involve all the stakeholders in its implementation.