Vaccine wastage assessment in Jubke State of South Sudan

Abstract

Vaccines are expensive commodities. If there temperature ranges are compromised, they lose their potency and cannot be regained. This research was descriptive study on vaccine wastage assessment in immunization services delivery in Jubek state of South Sudan. It is paramount for healthcare professionals (vaccinators) to follow policies and guidelines and procedures set out by EPI program in South Sudan. The success of any EPI program definitely depends on how well the health workers knowledge on wastage policies, quality of stock management and adhere to policies and procedures. Methodology Facility records based descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in immunization services delivery in Jubek state of South Sudan. All vaccination records were reviewed for selected antigens. A structured questionnaire between Januarys-to December 2018 were included in the study. Number of doses issued (start balance +doses received) and the number of children vaccinated in that period were all obtained from the facility registers. The wastage rate for each antigen was calculated. Results Nearly half of the facilities assessed had poor documentation practice that led to inaccurate vaccine stock records, a total of 138,720 doses of vaccines issued for (BCG, Penta, OPV, Measles, IPV and TT) were collected. Wastage rate for each antigen was calculated, the average wastage rate for BCG 64%, Measles 51%, Penta 24%, OPV 15%, IPV 12% and TT 12% across each level of health care setting ( Hospital, PHCC & PHCU). Discussions In the study finding, there was an evidence of discrepancies between tally sheets, monthly summary and district health information system (DHIS). The wastage rate for lyophilized vaccines (BCG & Measles 64% &51% respectively. It is higher than the national EPI policy and guidelines for vaccine management.