World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

EVALUATION OF EFFECTIVE VACCINE MANAGEMENT AT COLD CHAIN POINTS IN URBAN MEERUT, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

Prashaant Kumar Bhatnagar*, Harivansh Chopra, Sunil Kumar Garg, Tanveer Bano, Arun Kumar and Sanjeev Kumar

ABSTRACT

Background: Every year globally about 5.9 million children die before the age of 5 years. It is estimated that immunization against vaccine preventable diseases can save 2-3 million lives every year. Immunization is one of the most cost effective preventive health measure to prevent childhood diseases. Vaccines are sensitive biological products and their potency can diminish irreversibly when exposed to inappropriate temperatures. Hence for effective implementation and success of the universal immunization programme, proper maintenance of Cold Chain needs a great focus and attention. In 2010, WHO and UNICEF launched the Effective Vaccine Management (EVM) initiative to help countries upgrade their immunization supply chains. EVM is a diagnostic tool which assesses Process, Practices and Policies of the health system required for efficient cold chain and vaccine logistics management. About 60% of children from urban Meerut receives vaccination from a public health facility. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate Cold Chain Points in Urban Meerut by EVM tool. Methods: There are 14 Cold Chain Points at Urban Meerut. It includes one Regional Vaccine Store, one District Vaccine Store and 12 Health Facility level stores. A cross-sectional study was carried out at all of these 14 Cold Chain Points. Globally validated WHO-UNICEF EVM tool was used for this study. Data was compiled in MS-Excel and analysed using percentages and proportions. Criteria wise and Consolidated EVM scores were calculated as per WHO guidelines. Results: None of the Cold Chain Point at Urban Meerut achieved a consolidated EVM score of ? 80% as per WHO recommendation. They were found to be lacking on various crucial factors like condition of building, availability of functional generator set, provision for disposal of sharps waste. Conclusions: The present study contemplates for upgrading the Cold Chain Points at Urban Meerut in terms of building, infrastructure and maintenance along with periodic training and capacity building of all the Cold Chain Handlers.

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