Evaluation of vaccine storage and distribution practices in rural healthcare facilities in Kenya

BACKGROUND: Vaccines require cold chain storage conditions, and good distribution practices throughout the supply chain to maintain their quality and potency. However, in the last mile of the vaccines supply chain, these requirements may not be guaranteed resulting in reduced effectiveness which could lead to an upsurge in vaccine preventable morbidity and mortality. The aim of this research was to evaluate vaccine storage and distribution practices in the last mile of vaccine supply chain in Turkana County. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2022 to February 2022 across seven sub-counties in Turkana County, Kenya, to assess vaccine storage and distribution practices. The study sample size was 128 county health professionals across 4 hospitals, 9 health centers, and 115 dispensaries. The respondents were selected using simple random sampling within the facilities strata. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, adapted, and adopted from a standardized WHO questionnaire on effective vaccines management and administered to one healthcare personnel working in the immunization supply chain per facility. Data were analyzed using excel and presented as percentages in table forms. RESULTS: A total of 122 health care workers participated in the study. Most respondents (89%, n = 109) had utilized a vaccine forecasting sheet, but only 81% did have an established maximum–minimum level inventory control system. Many of the respondents had sufficient knowledge of ice pack conditioning although 72% had adequate vaccine carriers and ice packs. Only 67% of respondents had a complete set of twice-daily manual temperature records at the facility. Most refrigerators complied with the WHO specifications but only 80% of them had functional fridge-tags. The number of facilities that had a routine maintenance plan was below average while only 65% had an adequate contingency plan. CONCLUSION: Rural health facilities have suboptimal supply of vaccine carriers and icepacks for effective storage and distribution of vaccines. In addition, some vaccine fridges lack functional fridge-tags for proper temperature monitoring. Routine maintenance and contingency plans remain a challenge to ensure optimal service delivery.