Improving the availability of vaccines in primary healthcare facilities in South Africa: is the time right for a system redesign process?

Abstract

An uninterrupted supply of vaccines at different supply chain levels is a basic component of a functional immunization programme and care service. There can be no progress toward achieving universal health coverage and sustainable development without continuous availability of essential medicines and vaccines in healthcare facilities. Shortages of vaccines, particularly at health facility level is an issue of grave concern that requires urgent attention in South Africa. The causes of vaccine stock-outs are multifactorial and may be linked to a broader systems issue. These factors include challenges at higher levels such as delays in the delivery of stock from the pharmaceutical depot; health facility level factors, which include a lack of commitment from healthcare workers and managers; human resource factors, such as, staff shortages, and lack of skilled personnel. Therefore, there is a compelling need to address the factors associated with shortages of vaccines in health facilities. This paper highlights the challenges of vaccine availability in South Africa, the associated factors, the available interventions, and recommended interventions for the expanded programme on immunization in South Africa. We propose a system redesign approach as a potentially useful intervention.

Trends in Vaccine Completeness in Children Aged 0–23 Months in Cape Town, South Africa

“…More so, Cape Town’s diverse population offers a unique opportunity to explore how cultural and educational factors intersect with vaccine completeness trends [ 26 , 27 , 28 ]. Long wait times, inadequate staffing, and vaccine supply chain management challenges can hinder vaccine delivery [ 28 , 29 , 30 ]. As such, examining the role of healthcare access and infrastructure is essential for devising strategies to overcome these barriers and improve vaccination rates.…”