ASSESSMENT OF COLD CHAIN FUNCTIONING IN POST EVIN ERA IN NAINITAL DISTRICT

Background: A vaccine supply chain is the complex system of steps, processes, equipment, vehicles and locations involved in getting vaccines from their origin to their destination. Failure to understand and properly address this system can greatly reduce the impact of any vaccine. It is also necessary that the condition of cold chain equipment i.e., deep freezer and ice- lined refrigerator (ILR) is maintained appropriately and emergency plan in case of cold chain failure is followed adequately. Material and Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the functioning of cold chain points after implementation of eVIN (electronic vaccine intelligence network) from January 2022 to August 2022. 34 out of 40 cold chain points in district Nainital who responded were visited and assessed. Collected data were compiled in MS Excel and analyzed using percentages. Result: The findings of this assessment suggest positive changes in the areas of vaccine utilization, stock management and distribution and documentation. The findings revealed that the exposure to sub‑zero temperature and >8°C occurred at all levels, from state vaccine store to healthcare facility. The manual temperature records did not match with data logger readings. Further, noncalibrated temperature monitoring devices, long hours of power cut and shortage of trained cold chain handlers affected the maintenance of cold chain. Conclusion: States are benefitting with the implementation of eVIN and have been able to improve planning, management of stocks and distribution of vaccines to the last mile knowledge of vaccine handlers on cold chain and vaccine management. Supportive supervision and regular training would improve their work efficiency.