Given the need for an ultra-cold chain (UCC) for an initial leading COVID-19 vaccine candidate, Project Last Mile conducted an analysis on the availability of liquid CO2 (LCO2) within the Coca-Cola value chain in 47 countries in Africa to assist in meeting potential dry ice needs to support ultra-cold chain vaccine distribution. This was then expanded to include COVAX countries in Latin America and the Pacific Islands. Ultimately, Project Last Mile completed a rapid assessment examining the feasibility of procuring LCO2 in 70 countries from Coca-Cola partners and suppliers across the three regions.

This webinar shared the culmination of this study. The aim is to contribute significant insights into determining the operational feasibility of maintaining ultra-cold temperatures to distribute COVID-19 vaccines. The findings can also inform where COVID-19 vaccines requiring ultra-cold chain may not be feasible or will require another LCO2 procurement approach.

Project Last Mile (PLM) is an innovative public-private partnership launched in 2010 between The Coca-Cola Company, The Coca-Cola Foundation, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), The Global Fund, and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to draw private-sector lessons from across the Coca-Cola value chain to benefit health systems strengthening in Africa.

The webinar was led by Jonathan Halse, who undertook the analysis for Project Last Mile. Jonathan currently leads Supply Chain Redesign Projects across multiple countries in Africa with Project Last Mile. Jonathan has worked for many leading FMCG leadership brands, including Coca-Cola, Mars, and Pepsi, where he held numerous leadership positions in operations and was deeply involved in capability building in many diverse markets across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The webinar will be opened by Alexandra Scott, Director of Program Delivery for Project Last Mile.

The presentation slides of this webinar session are available here.