These advancements in technology in vaccine and cold chain have caught the attention of various stakeholders in the private and public sector, including the Ministry of Health in different countries and both local and global partners involved in immunization. As a result, they have invested significant resources in procuring a large quantity of these breakthrough technologies and distributing them worldwide (e, g. green tech refrigerators, Grade A & B, Solar direct drive, long hold over passive vaccine storage devices). The assumption was that the old and outdated equipment would be properly dealt with. However, it has come to our attention/reference the supportive supervision reports/ that many facilities are still occupying their warehouses with such obsolete cold chain equipment. This is space that could be better utilized for storing useful stocks. It is crucial to improve the quality of storage, expand the workspace, and enhance safety for both the staff and the commodities being stored.
Over 40,000 units procured and disbuted by UNICEF from 2017 - 2018 and about 28, 000 forcasted for 2019, cehck www.unicef.org/supply/sites/unicef.org.supply/files/2019-06/cold-chain-equipment-sdd-drive-and-mains-powered-refrigerators.pdf [ more devices procured during 2019-2023 – with CCEOP, COVAX etc. sources].
Why are countries/MOHs hesitant to incorporate cold chain equipment decommissioning into their supply chain management? I would greatly appreciate it if you could share your experiences, thoughts, and expertise. Or share with me the link – if there is any previous discussions on the subject.