Ensuring vaccine potency and availability: how evidence shaped Gavi's Immunization Supply Chain Strategy

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Supply Chain Management
• Global Health Initiatives

Background:

• Gavi's 2015-2020 Immunization Supply Chain (iSC) Strategy prioritized cold chain equipment (CCE) and storage.
• The Cold Chain Equipment Optimization Platform (CCEOP) was launched in 2016 to enhance CCE availability.
• An evaluation of CCEOP in Guinea, Kenya, and Pakistan informed the revision of the global iSC strategy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of Gavi's Cold Chain Equipment Optimization Platform (CCEOP).
• To assess how CCEOP findings could reinforce the revision of the global Immunization Supply Chain (iSC) Strategy.
• To identify gaps in the overall supply chain system, including CCE maintenance.

Main Methods:

• A prospective mixed-methods research design was employed across three countries.
• Key informant interviews, document reviews, and direct observations were conducted.
• Health facility assessments were performed to gather comprehensive data.

Main Results:

• CCEOP effectively increased the availability and reliability of CCE.
• Improved management processes were established through the project management team (PMT) and service bundle provider approaches.
• Gaps in CCE maintenance within the broader supply chain system were identified.

Conclusions:

• The CCEOP evaluation findings strongly supported the revision of Gavi's iSC strategy.
• The revised strategy now emphasizes fundamental infrastructure, robust maintenance processes, and strategic planning.
• Alignment of stakeholders with clear objectives and a sound strategy is crucial for successful iSC initiatives.