Prevention of children of diseases is the primary concern of pediatrics [1][3][4]. Since 1974, in order to reach the herd immunity, the WHO (World Health Organization) motivates health authorities all around the world to invest in the EPI (Expanded Program on Immunization) to ensure vaccination around the world of children against childhood vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). Six vaccine-preventable diseases are recommended by the EPI: tuberculosis, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, measles, and pertussis [2].
In 2014, the herd immunity threshold in low-income countries was still below the 92–95% set by the WHO for VPDs except the BCG vaccine Table 1] [10] [22].
Table 1
Vaccination coverage, by vaccine and World Health Organization (WHO) region* — worldwide, 2014 [22]
![](https://myfiles.space/user_files/58890_add8f4303ffe25fa/58890_custom_files/img1602567578.png)
* Weighted regional average.
In Cameroon, the proportion of children below 2 years of age who are completely vaccinated for all recommended childhood vaccines [7][27][28] is still well below the 80% of eligible children targeted by the Cameroonian government [11].
In September 2013, many cases of paralysis were reported in Foumbot district and Malentuen district in Cameroon. The Genotyping of the viruses showed that a similar virus (Wild Poliomyelitis Virus) affected all the children [12]. Interestingly, the affected children in Cameroon had never been outside the country. The virus genotype linked to the outbreak shows a parenthood to the poliovirus observed in Chad in 2011 [23].
The Foumbot district is a place at risk because of the outbreak. The district hosts one of the largest border fresh-food markets in Cameroon where people from all parts of the country and neighboring countries of Cameroon such as Niger, Chad, Central African Republic, Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and Nigeria interact. The risk of expansion of the poliovirus to other parts of the country and to the neighboring countries is high. The parents of the first confirmed cases were farmers and gardeners who used to visit markets in Malentuen [12]. Although vaccination programs to eradicate measles around the country had already been implemented, a proliferation of measles was reported in nine health districts including the Foumbot district, [24]. Despite the financial resources allocated to the EPI to achieve the herd immunity, VPDs remain a health care concern in Cameroon. The sole provision of vaccination does not guarantee the herd immunity throughout the country [7][27]. Only the BCG coverage, which is given at birth, is above 90%. The coverage of other vaccines in children is still far below 80% expected in all health districts. [7][11]. Based on actual experiences gained by vaccination practice in each region or community, it is possible to define the causes of reticence to the vaccination [29] [30][31]. Therefore, programs leading to a higher prevention of infectious diseases in the population can only be defined, once the underlying reasons for the refusal and/or the interruption of the vaccination program are clearly identified. This study identifies, examines the factors affecting the intention to get children below the age of two in Foumbot district completely vaccinated using the Health Belief Model as well as defining programs that are likely to better support mothers’ decision-making regarding immunization and prevention of childhood diseases.