It has been shown through evidence from the states that rational microplanning can improve access.

Microplanning is now a strategic approach for all country programme components used in assessing communities' needs.

Government capacities were also strengthened through support to microplanning in high-risk areas, surveillance systems, surveys and evaluations.

Microplanning on immunization has allowed for catching-up actions in pockets with poor coverage and a vulnerable population.

These achievements are due to improved management of health services through the Bamako Initiative, community participation, microplanning, service delivery and strengthened technical capacities.

At the policy level, major constraints that affected programme implementation included the absence of reliable data for planning and inadequate microplanning skills, especially at the district level.

Campaigns such as those for polio eradication and measles mortality reduction have helped to strengthen the cold chain, injection safety and microplanning for routine immunization services.

The reasons include inadequate allocation of resources to implement district microplans and weaknesses in supervision and the use of data at the local level.

Activities include provision of vaccines, syringes and other supplies, as well as technical and financial support for microplanning, training and social mobilization.

Refocusing the programme, within a widely shared and understood conceptual framework that clarifies rights-based approaches and their adaptation in microplanning, and a strong monitoring mechanism to recognize success and enable corrective action, are essential for achieving results.