Assessment of Cold Chain Infrastructure and Vaccine Logistics Before and After eVIN Implementation at Cold Chain...

The Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVIN) was introduced in India to strengthen vaccine logistics through digitization and real-time stock and temperature monitoring. The present study assessed the cold chain infrastructure and vaccine logistics before and after eVIN implementation at cold chain points (CCPs) in Indore district.

A pre-post observational study was conducted at all functional CCPs of Indore district. Post-eVIN assessment (2020-2021) included 40 CCPs, while pre-eVIN data (2014-2015) from 36 CCPs were obtained from program records. A census approach was used. Data were collected using standardized supportive supervision checklists and secondary databases. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and expressed as frequencies and percentages.

Higher compliance was observed in various cold chain parameters in post-eVIN period. Most cold chain equipment were functional during assessment. Availability of functional power back-up increased from 22.2% to 72.5%. CCPs maintaining updated stock and distribution registers increased from 72.2% to 100%. The presence of functional thermometers increased from 83.3% to 90%. Real-time web-based documentation was implemented at all CCPs post-eVIN. Adequate infrastructure and compliance with vaccine storage norms were observed at most facilities. However, gaps persisted in stabilizer availability, ice-pack conditioning practices, and vaccine transport logistics, with no CCP having a dedicated vaccine van or trained driver.

Better compliance in cold chain infrastructure, vaccine logistics, and documentation practices was observed after eVIN implementation. However, gaps in stabilizer availability, ice-pack conditioning, and vaccine transport logistics require targeted programmatic action to sustain improvements in routine immunization services.