Knowledge and Practice of ANMs regarding Cold Chain Management for Different Categories of Vaccines

Abstract

A cold chain is a temperature-controlled supply chain. An unbroken cold chain is an uninterrupted series of storage and distribution activities which maintains a given temperature chain. It can be managed by the Quality Management System. It analyses, measures, controls, documents the supply of vaccines to the reaching point. As a cold chain handler ANMs play an important role in improving the immunisation coverage. In a study, Samant Y, et al (2007) revealed weaknesses in the cold chain mechanism. Cold chain for the oral polio vaccine (OPV) was not adequately managed at primary and sub-health centres in rural areas. In India, at grass root level ANMs are the key persons, who handle the vaccine and equipment. So it was necessary to assess their knowledge and practices about management of cold chain system. Sufficient cold chain space is available at the district and block level. Some PHCs do not have electrical cold chain equipments. Although the breakdown rate is very low for existing cold chain equipments, yet cold chain management is not followed as per prescribed guidelines. Thus, necessary action can be taken for effective management of cold chain to ensure that the children get potent vaccines and are protected from the vaccine-preventable diseases. The management of cold chain system is the most important component of immunisation on which success of the programme depends.