The EAC RCE-VIHSCM successfully conducted a series of trainings designed to strengthen the Cold Chain Equipment and the Immunization Supply Chain Management in Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya. These trainings aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of healthcare professionals involved in vaccine and medical supply management in the EAC Partner States.
Targeting key personnel from National and Regional Vaccine Warehouses, Central and Regional Medical Stores, Ministry of Health officials, and hospital staff working on Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), the sessions provided in-depth insights into the technical aspects of vaccine management, particularly focusing on cold chain equipment maintenance, temperature control, and ensuring the integrity of vaccines.
The in-country Cold Chain Equipment Management (CCEM) and Remote Temperature Control (RTN) training series this quarter run in Tanzania from July 1-12, 2024, where 30 participants learned essential skills for maintaining the quality of vaccines and other temperature-sensitive products throughout the supply chain. Following this, similar sessions were held for 93 participants in Uganda from August 5-12, 2024, and in Rwanda from August 12-23, concluding in Kenya from September 2-13, 2024.
In parallel, the EAC RCE-VIHSCM rolled out Immunization Supply Chain (iSC) trainings aimed at enhancing overall supply chain strategies. These sessions were conducted in the United Republic of Tanzania from July 8 to 12 2024, Uganda from August 12-16, and concluding in Kenya from September 9-13, 2024 for 90 healthcare professionals. The iSC training focused on improving overall vaccine supply chain operations, ensuring timely distribution, and mitigating potential disruptions to immunization services. These trainings come in response to findings from various Effective Vaccines Management Assessment (EVMA) reports which consistently highlighted weakness in cold chain management and immunization supply chain as key issues affecting immunization services.
Through the above courses, the RCE is steadily addressing these challenges and improving the effectiveness of immunization initiatives in the region.
