Objectives: This study examined preventive care delivered in Manitoba during the 1990s by 3 different methods -childhood immunizations (by physicians and public health nurses under a government program), screening mammography (through a government program introduced in 1995), and cervical cancer screening (no program).
Methods: Longitudinal administrative data, an immunization monitoring system, and Canadian census databases were used.
Results: Cervical cancer screening rates remained static and showed strong socioeconomic differences; childhood immunization rates remained high with small socioeconomic gradients. The introduction of the Manitoba Breast Screening Program resulted in rising rates of screening and vanishing socioeconomic gradients.
Conclusions: Manitoba government programs in childhood immunization and screening mammography actively helped the provision of preventive care. Organized programs that target population groups, recognize barriers to access, and facilitate self-evaluation are critical for equitable delivery.