EFFECT OF A WAVE SCHEDULING MODEL IN CHILD IMMUNIZATION: A END-TO-END CONGESTION CONTROL SIMULATION (A CASE STUDY OF SIMPSON PRIMARY HEALTHCARE)

Child immunization plays a crucial role in preventing infectious diseases and reducing childhood mortality rates. However, in densely populated urban areas such as Lagos State, Nigeria, the efficient delivery of immunization services faces significant challenges due to overcrowding and limited resources. This study aims to investigate the effect of implementing a wave scheduling model on child immunization in primary health care facilities in Lagos State, specifically focusing on the end-to-end congestion control during immunization campaigns. To conduct the simulation, a realistic agent-based modeling approach is employed, considering the demographic characteristics of Lagos State, the existing immunization infrastructure, and historical data on immunization coverage. The wave scheduling model involves dividing the target population into smaller groups and allocating specific time slots or waves for each group to receive immunization services. The simulation study assesses the impact of the wave scheduling model on key performance indicators, including waiting times, service throughput, and overall congestion levels in primary health care facilities. It also evaluates the model's effectiveness in achieving higher immunization coverage rates and reducing missed opportunities for vaccination. Preliminary findings indicate that the wave scheduling model can significantly reduce congestion and waiting times in primary health care facilities. By distributing the workload across designated waves, the model facilitates more efficient use of available resources and staff, thereby enhancing service delivery during immunization campaigns. Additionally, the model demonstrates potential to increase immunization coverage by minimizing missed opportunities, as it allows for more personalized attention to each child and improves adherence to vaccination schedules. The results of this simulation study provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the wave scheduling model in addressing congestion and improving child immunization services in Lagos State. The findings can guide policymakers and health authorities in implementing evidence-based strategies to optimize immunization programs and enhance the overall quality of primary health care delivery.