Challenges of COVID-19 vaccine cold chain management practices and vaccine utilization selected governmental health facilities under Addis Ababa Regional Health Bureau
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Date
2023
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is causing unprecedented or extraordinary human and economic costs
in all countries and societies across the world. After the WHO declared COVID-19 to be an
international public health emergency vaccines were manufactured within one year. The
Purpose of the study was to assess COVID-19 vaccine cold chain practice, challenges of cold
chain management practices and vaccine utilization in selected government health facilities
under the Addis Ababa Health Bureau. Both quantitative and qualitative research approach
were employed. The population of the study was EPI focal persons who work in health facilities
under 47 which accounts (44 health centers and 3 hospitals) and questionnaires were used to
collect data and secured 95% response rate. Challenges of cold chain practice and utilization
were filled using the five point likert scale and questionnaire was coded and analyzed using
SPSS-V-20.Descriptive statistics mean were under taken regarding on cold chain capacity, stock
management and vaccine storage temperature practiced slightly but regarding to cold chain
equipment highly practiced. Furthermore, cold chain management challenges are influential in
insufficient cold chain capacity, lack of latest technology or standard vaccine fridge, inadequate
temperature monitoring and maintenance system, knowledge gap of health workers on cold
chain practice as dependent variable.
For COVID-19 vaccines cold chain management practice: AACAHB, Sub city offices and other
stakeholders should improve practice in storage capacity should be assessed and assign
experienced cold chain equipment maintenance technicians at the facility level.COVID-19
vaccines require special storage temperature monitoring and stock management by using
introduction of temperature monitoring and by identify and address logistical issues such as the
distribution of adequate storage equipment and give training should be provided periodically to
improve stock management and minimize wastage of vaccine.
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Keywords
Challenges cold chain management practice, COVID-19 vaccine practice