Vaccine Cold Chain Management and Associated Factors in Public Health Facilities and District Health Offices of Wolaita Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background Vaccines are medical products with a short shelf life and are easily damaged by deviations in temperature from the recommended ranges. Vaccines lose their quality if the cold chain system is not properly managed. Cold chain management is still a major challenge in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed to assess vaccine cold chain management and associated factors at public health facilities and district health offices. Methods A facility-based cross-sectional study design was applied from March 1–28, 2021. One hundred and thirty-six health institutions were selected by simple random sampling method. Data was collected using the observation check list and interviewer-administered pre-tested structured questionnaires. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25. The binary logistic regression was employed and those variables with a p -value less than 0.25 in the bivariate analysis were used for multivariable logistic regression. Then multivariate analysis at a p -value <0.05 and AOR with 95% CI was used to measure the degree of association between independent variables and the outcome variable. Results The study indicates that 83 (61%) public health facilities had good cold chain management practice at 95% CI (52.2–68.4). Experience greater than 2 years (AOR=2.8, 95% CI=1.13–6.74), good knowledge on cold chain management (AOR=3.02, 95% CI=1.2–7.4), training on cold chain management (AOR=1.86, 95% CI=1.36–9.84), and supportive supervision on cold chain management (AOR=2.71, 95% CI=1.1–7.14) were statistically significantly associated with good cold chain management practice. Conclusion The result of the study indicated that there was low cold chain management practice in the study area. Strengthening the knowledge of healthcare workers and supportive supervision on cold chain management by giving training and monitoring their practice toward cold chain management may help to improve the cold chain management practice.

Achieving sustainable, environmentally viable, solarized vaccine cold chain system and vaccination program—an effort to move towards clean and green energy-driven primary healthcare in Lebanon

“…The implementation of this system requires sufficient solar energy, the presence of a solar service provider, and secure funding. The key success areas of moving towards solarization of the vaccine cold chain system include reduced cost of ownership, sustainable vaccine cold chain system, minimizing the risk of exposing vaccines to freezing temperatures, cleaner and greener source of energy, and building public trust in public immunization systems ( 18 ). Further research is needed to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of solarization of the vaccine cold chain system and primary health care centers in Lebanon and other countries facing similar challenges.…”

Cyclodextrin in Vaccines: Enhancing Efficacy and Stability

“…Stabilization is essential to ensure that vaccines remain effective and safe until they are administered to individuals. The term "stabilization of vaccines" refers to the process of maintaining the integrity, efficacy and potency of vaccines throughout their storage, transport and distribution [55,56]. It includes the implementation of measures to prevent the deterioration or loss of vaccine quality due to various environmental factors, such as the temperature, light, humidity and exposure to certain chemicals.…”