Effectiveness of vaccine management and quality of immunization services in the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) antenna in the Kisangani region, Democratic Republic of Congo

INTRODUCTION: The quality of vaccines is critical for good immunization outcomes. It is dependent on the effectiveness of technical and logistics management system put in place. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of vaccine management and to learn something from this. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of logistic management of vaccines in the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) antenna in the Kisangani region over the period 2010-2014. A literature review completed by semi-structured interviews of immunization services managers and providers helped to evaluate vaccine management using the WHO GEV model in order to identify the gaps. RESULTS: Provider\'s demonstrated low level of knowledge of the vaccines that cannot be frozen, of freezing tests and of other vaccine damages. Computerized data management was properly ensured in the antenna. No evaluation criteria reached the goal of 80%. Compliance with the storage temperature was 70% in the antenna; the criterion for vaccine management was 65% and 67% in the health area central office and in the health centre respectively. The maintenance criterion was zero at all levels. CONCLUSION: Malfunctioning of the logistic system is remarkable at all levels of the health pyramid; this could interfere with the quality and the expected impact of vaccination. Particular attention should be paid to the maintenance of the equipment.