Performance Assessment of the Cameroon Expanded Program of Immunization: A Mixed Method Study

Abstract Objective This study aimed at evaluating the performance of the EPI so as to determine whether the program is set to achieve the vaccine specific targets of some SDGs by 2030. Methods We carried out a mixed method study associating a cross-sectional web-based qualitative analysis during March 2021 and a quantitative analysis of EPI performance from 2006 to 2019 in Cameroon. Findings: The observed weaknesses included the failure to meet the targeted vaccination coverage of all antigens, the proportion of health districts with coverage greater than 80% remained low, the existence of districts with less than 50% vaccination coverage, and insufficient quality of vaccination data. The Country lagged in geographical equity, program management, and financing. In addition, situations that emerged during the past decade, such as the covid-19, conflicts, political instability, and widespread misinformation, negatively impact the output of vaccination services. Conclusion Cameroon needs to amplify efforts to fill gaps and weaknesses so as not to be left behind to attain the targets for this current decade embedded in sustainable development goals.