Expert Blogs

Remote Cellular Stations generate power that they convert to radio waves to provide coverage to their consumers.  Such stations are well distributed throughout countries, and growth projections worldwide are excellent.  Cellular Service providers are actively replacing old diesel generators with renewable energy solutions to improve on service reliability, reduce operating costs, and meet Corporate Social Responsibility objectives.  Meanwhile, cold chain storage points are often in proximity to Cellular stations, and have insufficient power to adequately conserve vaccines.  Are there scenarios in which the cold chain could tap into power from Cellular stations?

An effective cold chain is fundamental to the success of vaccination programmes. Millions of dollars' worth of vaccines are stored throughout developing countries in the cold chain at any one time; this amount will increase year on year as countries incorporate newer often more expensive, vaccines into their immunization programmes. Vaccines stored outside 2-8 ^o C lose efficacy and may fail to protect their target population.The result is wasted vaccine and lost lives.^

How should we select the right model of cool-chain equipment to store and transport vaccines?

Using technical and financial criteria to select the right cool-chain equipment for a robust vaccine supply chain is surprisingly complex.

For discussion, we propose the following considerations as critical equipment selection:

1. Local requirements

2. Equipment prices

3. Life cycle costs