A passive cold storage device economic model to evaluate selected immunization location scenarios

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Supply Chain Management
• Medical Device Development

Background:

• Unreliable power in low- and middle-income countries challenges vaccine cold chain maintenance.
• Passive cold storage devices (PCDs) are being developed as an alternative to energy-dependent refrigerators.
• Guidance is needed for manufacturers, policymakers, and funders on PCD characteristics and their impact on cost and utility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a quantitative model to assess the cost-effectiveness of different vaccine cold storage devices.
• To guide the development of passive cold storage devices (PCDs) for diverse settings.

Main Methods:

• An economic spreadsheet model was created for the lower tiers of the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) vaccine supply chain.
• The model compared portable PCDs, stationary PCDs, and solar refrigerators.
• Users can adjust device specifications (size, cost) and scenario characteristics (population, vaccine schedule).

Main Results:

• Portable PCDs are suitable for populations of 5,000 or less.
• Stationary PCDs with 35L capacity costing $2,500 or less are robust when replenished monthly.
• Solar devices are viable if costing $2,100 or less (including installation).
• No single device type is optimal for all situations; selection is context-dependent.

Conclusions:

• A quantitative model is introduced to aid passive cold storage device (PCD) development.
• The optimal vaccine cold storage solution varies by country and location.
• Further research can refine the model by exploring additional scenarios and device designs.