Assessing vaccine cold chain storage quality: a cross-sectional study of health facilities in three African countries

Proper refrigeration at health facilities is an essential element in maintaining the integrity of vaccine cold chains. The researchers use vaccine refrigerator and cold box temperature data, recently collected from health facilities in Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda, to assess cold chain quality in these countries. The researchers conclude that there remains significant room to improve vaccine storage temperature in Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda. Maintaining a log was associated with appropriate temperature storage, regardless of duration since last check. While more investigation into the nature of this relation is needed, new technologies such as vial monitoring strips may be promising interventions for maintaining cold chain integrity.