An evaluation, funded by CAREC, PAHO-Suriname and the Government of Suriname, was conducted May 21 to June 10, 2001 by a team of international and Surinamese members.

The purpose of the evaluation was to assess the current status of planning, organisation and execution of services of the immunisation programme. The strengths, weaknesses, and the factors that facilitate and hinder the achievement of objectives of the programme were also defined. The data gathered was used for timely decision making and to develop a five year plan of action toward strengthening the programme.

More than 80% of people surveyed had heard about the mass campaign of Yellow Fever and Rubella campaign. More than 75% of the population surveyed had received both yellow fever and rubella vaccines. The users reported no adverse events.

Vaccination coverage for OPV has increased from 72% in 1991 to 84% in 1999. The Surinamese surveillance system has identified 322 fever and rash cases between 1996-2000. 35% were confirmed as Rubella, and 7% were confirmed as Dengue. Over 80% of health workers received the hepatitis vaccine in 2000. In response to the resolution of the Caribbean Community in 1998 to eliminate indigenous cases of rubella and congenital rubella syndrome, a mass vaccination campaign utilizing MMR/MR and Yellow Fever vaccines was implemented and is still in progress for the targeted age group, 1 to 39 years.

The population of the users surveyed believes that vaccination is either very important or important. Over 90% of users were cognizant of the purpose of vaccinations and the fact that diseases can be prevented by immunization. Over 95% of users had vaccination cards for their children and all were aware that a complete vaccination card is necessary for school entry. Also over 95% of users were very satisfied with the care given at the health.

Measles has not been detected since 1991, Yellow Fever has not been reported for decades; the last reported case of neonatal tetanus was in 1983 and no cases of poliomyelitis have been reported for years. The coverage data for Suriname in 2000 was 78% for DPT 3 and OPV 3 and 81% for MMR.

From 1996-2000, Suriname had more than 90% of their sentinel sites reporting on time, and over 90% of cases were investigated within 48 hours. The reporting sites for fever rash cases have increased from 36 sites to 39 sites in 2001. Surveillance for AFP is done at all hospital sites.