Rapid Assessment of Perceptions, Knowledge, and Practices Related to Immunization Injection Safety in Nepal

Published in 2001, this 41-page document reports the results of a study conducted from March through May, 2001. This study involved interviews with, and direct observations of, 78 immunisation providers and managers. Twelve focus group discussions were also conducted with 122 mothers.

The document details attitudes about medical injections among these health care providers and the general public and provides data about provider injection practices. These data focus on the culture of injection in the cities and villages of Central Nepal, revealing that there are in general sufficient supplies of vaccines but insufficient supplies of fuel for sterilisation. Further, disposal of contaminated medical waste, including disposable needles, is a serious problem. These and other data, which are detailed in the report, support the conclusion that, despite adequate training and supply of vaccines, availability of other materials like needles and syringes, and proper disposal training, vaccine safety is still impaired in this country.