The term cold chain describes the network of fridges, freezers and cold boxes used for transporting and storing vaccines within the safe temperature range of 2ºC - 8ºC (35.6ºF - 46.4ºF). Many vaccines can lose their potency and are rendered useless if they get too hot, freeze, or are exposed to light. Vulnerability to heat or cold varies depending on the type of vaccine. The loss of effectiveness is cumulative and cannot be reversed.

The success of any immunization program depends on the cold chain to keep vaccines at the proper temperature. It is essential to maintain an unbroken cold chain for vaccines from the point of manufacture until they are used.

Typical Cold Chain

(Source: WHO Vaccines, Immunizations, and Biologicals)

Challenge
Cold chains in most low-income countries are in an advanced state of decay. Old, kerosene-powered refrigerators experience frequent downtimes due to lack of fuel and spare parts and inappropriate transport containers can expose goods to wide variations in temperature. As a result, temperature-sensitive vaccines become spoiled, severely hampering efforts to increase immunization rates in areas where infectious disease is a persistent problem.

Solution
VillageReach is introducing new propane (LPG)-powered refrigerators equipped with automatic change-over valves in remote health facilities and is training health staff in regular operations and maintenance procedures. By having the same brand of refrigerator at each facility, spare parts can be stocked and repairs can be made quickly and cost-effectively by trained personnel. In addition, VillageReach is working with PATH to introduce and test new vaccine transport procedures and equipment to effectively protect temperature-sensitive vaccines en-route during outreach activities.

Cold Chain Information from the World Health Organization

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