Assessment of Cold Chain Status for Immunization in Central Ethiopia

Background:  In order to achieve immunization goals, two factors are necessary; the delivery of potent vaccines through properly maintained cold chain system and achieving high vaccine coverage. Maintaining quality of vaccines has been one of the main challenges of immunization programs in Africa.

Objective: To assess the cold chain status and practice in 116 health facilities located in three CCRDA/CORE Group Ethiopia operational districts of Oromiya, SNNP and Amhara Regions of Ethiopia.

Methodology: An institution based cross sectional study was conducted in December 2011 and January 2012, data was collected from 116 health facilities and from the same number of immunization service providers.  Multiple logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify factors related to knowledge of cold chain management.  

Result: Of 116 visited facilities, only 22 (19%) had functional refrigerators. The remaining facilities transported vaccines from nearby facilities having functional refrigerators. Complete temperature recording was observed in 13(59.1%) facilities. Of 22 functional fridges, the thermometer reading was found to be outside the recommended range in 6(27.3%). Vaccine storage in the refrigerator was not proper in 12(54.5%) facilities. Sixty- five (56%) health workers had satisfactory knowledge on cold chain management. Professional qualification and year of service in immunization program showed statistically significant association with knowledge of cold chain management (P<0.05).  

Conclusion and Recommendations: Vaccines in some facilities were found to be at a high risk of losing their potency. There is an urgent need to improve knowledge and practice on cold chain management through improved supervision and training.