High Inequality and Slow Services Improvement in Newborn and Child Health Interventions in Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: In the previous years, efforts have been made to reduce the inequality gap in newborn and child health interventions in Ethiopia. However, there is still limited evidence on the extent and trends of inequality on newborn and child health interventions. Thus, we aimed to assess newborn and child health interventions, inequality levels, and trends during four demographic and health survey periods based on inequality dimensions: economic status, education level, residency, and child's sex in Ethiopia. Methods: We conducted an inequality analysis on four periods (2000, 2005, 2011, and 2016) of the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) data. We estimated inequality related to economic and education status using percentage, relative concentration index, and slope index, while mean percentage difference and ratio were used to assess inequality due to residency and child's sex. Results: The coverage of services was concentrated in the richest quintile, highly educated families, and urban dwellers. Child and newborn health intervention service coverage improvement in the past four survey periods was less than 10.0% for all services, and there is high disparity between sub-national regions. Full immunization-related inequality was highest in Ethiopia compared to four east-central African countries. Conclusion:Increasing service coverage and improving equitable access to routine immunizations could fill the existing inequality gap while focusing on the underserved group. In addition, strengthening regular monitoring processes is also vital to know those left behind.

Child Vaccination Coverage, Trends and Predictors in Eastern Ethiopia: Implication for Sustainable Development Goals

“…Women from the poor family probability has less empowerment to give decision, inability to pay costs and spend more time to earn the means of livelihood. 13 , 41 , 53 …”

“…36 The difference of magnitude might be due to difference in geographical difference, [37][38][39][40] and distribution of health facilities. 41 Another reason of difference might be study period; most of the former studies were limited to one year or less time.…”

“…Women from the poor family probability has less empowerment to give decision, inability to pay costs and spend more time to earn the means of livelihood. 13,41,53 Not utilizing maternal health service was negatively associated with vaccination uptake of the children included in this study. The chance of partially immunized or not immunized was higher among children whose mother had no antenatal care and did not access institutional delivery.…”