Effect of cold chain management practices on availability of vaccines: The case of health centers under Dire Dawa city administration health bureau

This research was designed to assess the effect of cold chain management practices on availability of vaccines: the case of health centers under Dire Dawa city administration health bureau. The study used a quantitative methodology with explanatory study design to generate answers to the research questions. Primary data were collected through questionnaire from cold chain responsible personnel in selected health centers. To determine the sample size for selecting health centers the researcher employed a sample determination formula developed by Cochran in 1963. In order to select the respondents, the study used probability sampling method specifically simple random sampling. Accordingly, an aggregate of 16 respondents were selected and participated in this study. Data collected through questionnaire were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency and mean. The findings of the study revealed that all the components of cold chain management practices and also availability of vaccines were rated average on information system.. In order to improve the availability of vaccines in the health centers the researcher recommend to FMOH and other concerning bodies to focus on all distribution and storage practices. Among the recommendations, using electronic databases such as Health Commodities Management Information System (HCMIS), accelerating the transition of vaccine supply chain responsibility from the Federal Ministry of Health to the Pharmaceuticals Fund and Supply Agency, purchasing more cold chain equipment’s are some to mention. On top of that, the researcher recommend others to conduct similar research by expanding their scope to include private and other governmental health facilities and also to find out actual vaccine wastage.