UNICEF has played a pivotal role in supporting vaccine logistics in Imo State, Nigeria, particularly through the provision of critical infrastructure and technical assistance to enhance immunisation efforts.
Since 2021, UNICEF has distributed 425 solar-powered refrigerators to primary healthcare centres across all 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Imo State.
These refrigerators maintain the essential cold chain temperature range of +2°C to +8°C, ensuring vaccines remain potent and effective even in rural and hard-to-reach areas where electricity supply can be unreliable.
The introduction of solar-powered refrigerators addresses a major logistical challenge in vaccine storage by providing a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution that reduces dependence on inconsistent power grids.
This innovation is crucial for maintaining vaccine integrity, preventing spoilage, and ultimately improving immunisation coverage in the state.
UNICEF’s efforts have been recognized by the State Immunisation Officer, Dr. Chibuzo
Anyaehie, who commended the agency for funding logistics, including the introduction of the HPV vaccine and supporting the “Big Catch-up” immunisation campaign rounds, which significantly boosted vaccine coverage.
To complement cold chain management, UNICEF has also donated four high-capacity incinerators capable of burning medical waste at temperatures up to 1,000 degrees Celsius.
These incinerators facilitate the safe disposal of used vaccine vials, syringes, and other medical waste, aligning with environmental and health safety standards.
This initiative supports proper waste management practices in healthcare facilities, protecting health workers, the environment, and the community from potential hazards associated with medical waste.
UNICEF operates an Open Logistics Information System in Imo State, which enables real-time monitoring of vaccine stock levels across LGAs.
This system helps prevent overstocking and understocking of vaccines, tracks expiry dates, and monitors temperature exposure.
The availability of real-time data enhances decision-making and responsiveness in vaccine distribution, ensuring that vaccines are available where and when needed without wastage.
Capacity building is another critical component of UNICEF’s support. Regular monthly training sessions and performance analyses are conducted for healthcare officers involved in vaccine logistics.
These trainings provide real-time feedback to local managers, improving the efficiency and quality of vaccine service delivery. This continuous professional development helps maintain high standards in vaccine handling and administration across the state.
Despite these substantial contributions, UNICEF has called on the Imo State government to provide counterpart funding, especially for human resources, to optimize the use of donated equipment like incinerators and to address manpower shortages in vaccine distribution and logistics.
The replacement of retiring staff and recruitment of new personnel are necessary to sustain and scale up immunisation efforts.
The broader legal and policy framework in Imo State supports these logistics efforts. The state aligns with Nigeria’s Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and national immunisation policies, which provide guidelines for vaccine distribution, cold chain management, and healthcare worker training.
The Imo State Strategic Health Development Plan and Health Financing Policy, developed with WHO support, institutionalize funding mechanisms and promote equitable access to immunisation services, reinforcing UNICEF’s logistical interventions.
UNICEF’s vaccine support logistics have also contributed to successful immunisation campaigns, such as the vaccination of over 114,000 children during a recent UNICEF-sponsored catch-up campaign.
These campaigns identify zero-dose and under-immunised children, improving overall vaccine coverage and protecting children from preventable diseases.
The use of digital tools like the Open Data Kit for real-time data transmission has enhanced supervision and monitoring during these campaigns.
Additionally, UNICEF collaborates with other partners, including the Global Fund and national agencies, to upgrade medical warehouses in Imo State to meet international standards.
This collaboration further strengthens the vaccine supply chain infrastructure, ensuring that vaccines are stored and managed under optimal conditions before distribution to health facilities.
In summary, UNICEF’s support for vaccine logistics in Imo State is comprehensive, involving the provision of solar-powered cold chain equipment, safe waste disposal facilities, real-time logistics monitoring systems, capacity building, and technical and financial assistance.
These efforts have significantly improved vaccine storage, distribution, and coverage in the state, contributing to better public health outcomes and advancing immunisation goals. Continued government partnership and investment are essential to sustain and expand these gains.
If these facilities are not available in your Local Government, you should be asking questions.
The health insurance package provided by C-Health, a brainchild of the Centre for Social Awareness, Advocacy and Ethics(CSAAE), is available and can be accessed by the general public, as part of efforts to improve access to immunization and support UNICEF’s efforts.
Call CSAAE’s toll free line on 08009001000 for more information .