Korean J Clin Pharm.  2015 Dec;25(4):223-230. 10.0000/kjcp.2015.25.4.223.

Leading Study for the Restoration of Pediatric Immunization Systems in North Korea following Reunification of Korean Peninsula

• Song S
• Bang JS

• KMID: 2226415
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.0000/kjcp.2015.25.4.223

Abstract

BACKGROUND
8,000 children in North Korea died before they reached the 1 year after births in 2013. The high mortality rate of children under five years of age is mainly caused by infectious diseases and malnutrition. The need for national pediatric immunization and supply of vaccines will be vital when the abrupt reunification occurs.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is to scrutinize the pediatric immunization coverage of North Korea. Additionally it is to estimate the amount and the costs needed to vaccinate.
METHODS
The target population is the children of North Korea. The method is based on a pre-survey and an interview of North Korea defectors. The target interviewees searched for are as follows; doctors, teachers, and others. The interview includes questions on mortality rates and immunization coverage. The analysis is largely based on the statements of the health care providers within the selected group.
RESULTS
The interviewees are 8; 7 female and 1 male. The birth years range from 1956 to 1982. 3 out of 8 are former health care providers; a doctor, a pharmacist, and a nurse. The morbidity rate of infectious diseases exceeds the data from WHO. The immunization coverage is nearly 0% after 1980s. In order to ensure the welfare of North Korean children, at least 8,234,000 vaccine doses, requiring over 105 million U.S. dollars, are needed.
CONCLUSION
The morbidity rate of infectious disease in North Korea is conspicuous. The preparation for supply and expenditure of vaccines is vital.

Keyword

North Korea; pediatric; child; immunization; vaccine; reunification

MeSH Terms

Child
Communicable Diseases
Democratic People's Republic of Korea*
Female
Health Expenditures
Health Personnel
Health Services Needs and Demand
Humans
Immunization*
Male
Malnutrition
Mortality
Parturition
Pharmacists
Vaccines
Vaccines