Michael Werner

By -Tesfaye Tsigu

UNICEF has procured, delivered and installed greater than 100k optimal cold chain equipments in low and middle-income countries over the past few years. UNICEF collaborates with GAVI, WHO, Governments and other partners to strengthen the health system of those countries. 

Purpose of the research was to assess the impact of health system strengthening on immunization outcome. 

Summary: The effect of solar direct derive (SDD) from cold chain equipment on the quality and equity of health facilities’ immunization services is assessed using descriptive and explanatory research design by collecting data using a structured questionnaire from health workers in health centres and health posts of 56 purposely selected health facilities in Ethiopia. Quantitative data were collected from the EPI registry for the year 2014 as a baseline, and a follow-up review was made for the year 2018 performances.

It was found that the new cold chain equipment, SDD refrigerators have a positive and significant effect on improving equity (Penta 3 coverage) and quality (Penta 1 -Measles dropout rate) of the immunization service. This helps to reduce the number of zero dose children.