Assessment of factors affecting effective vaccine cold chain management in public health facilities in Kisii County, Kenya

Abstract

Background To maintain a reliable vaccine cold chain, different key procedures need to be observed during storage, transportation, handling, and administration to the end user. Otherwise, there will be loss of vaccine potency leading to death due to vaccine preventable diseases. Objective The objective was to assess the factors affecting effective vaccine cold chain management in public health facilities in Kisii County, Kenya Methods The study was carried out in public health facilities that offer immunization services in Kisii County. A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted, and ninety-four health facilities selected. The respondents were vaccine handlers in the selected health facilities. Data collection was done using structured questionnaires. Data was analyzed by use of Microsoft Excel and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS)software(Ver 28,2021) and results presented in tables. Study approval was sought from the ethics committee, KNH/UON-ERC prior to commencing the study. Results The vaccine handlers in Kisii county have adequate knowledge , the right practices, and a positive attitude towards effective vaccine cold chain management. There was availability of functional refrigerators and thermometers, lack of backup generator and fuel and inadequate equipment maintenance .The most common barriers to effective vaccine cold chain management included insufficient funding, inadequate qualified human resource, lack of new technology and lack of equipment maintenance. Conclusion and recommendations The gaps identified include financial, technological, and human resource. There is therefore need for resource mobilization to curb the identified gaps.