Cold Chain and Logistics Management for Expanded Program on Immunization in Busia and Namayingo Districts

by Open Science Repository Medicine
(December 2013)

Abstract

Cold chain and logistics management (CCLM) is a systematic process of coordinating resources so as to ensure that vaccines given to people are safe and effective (Snow 2009) - vaccines are managed within optimum temperature range (between +2°C and +8°C) from the manufacturer up to use. The objectives of this study were to: establish the availability of EPI minimum supplies at all EPI service units; assess the storage of EPI vaccines and related supplies at all EPI service units and assess availability of cold chain and logistics management information system for EPI at all EPI service units; assess the logistics cycle for at all EPI service units and to assess the organizational support systems (procedures and policies) used in the distribution and inventory management of EPI supplies at all EPI service units. This was a cross-sectional study that employed both qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques. A total of 59 respondents (EPI staff) were interviewed as respondents.

All the EPI service units had EPI vaccines available according to the EPI protocol. Both districts did not have enough gas cylinders. All EPI service units had enough storage capacities- majority of the EPI service units did not have their EPI rooms used exclusively for EPI services. All EPI service units had Measles vaccines and diluents not correctly stacked/matched. None of the EPI service units practiced MDVP or issued their stocks according to FEFO and FIFO. Some few refrigerators had been staffed with non EPI items. Majority of the functional refrigerators had optimal temperature range of +2oc to + 8oc. It was further established that some few refrigerators had been used to store non EPI items. Less than a half of the Vaccine and Injection Materials Control Books had been balanced off for vaccines. Ordering and distribution of EPI supplies in both districts were done without any standard formula. It was established that none of the EPI service units either had guidelines / policies on stock management or had evidence of EPI support supervision done during the previous quarter. It was also noted that none of the EPI service units either had evidence of quarterly visits for O&M for the previous quarter or had the inventory of the working status of EPI equipment.

Keywords: expanded program on immunization, vaccines, cold chain and logistics, optimum temperature range, refrigerators.

Full text

Cold Chain and Logistics Management for Expanded Program on Immunization in Busia and Namayingo Districts