Abstract:
Cold chain management is the process of storing vaccines in a potent state from
the manufacturer to the recipient. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude
and practice of cold chain management among health practitioners in the
Sekyere Central District of Ghana. The study used a mixed method approach.
Eighty- six participants responded to a questionnaire. Twelve cold chain sites
were observed and a key informant interview was conducted with 11 health
practitioners to explore the challenges on cold chain management. The major
findings from the study indicated that (68.6%) of the participants level of
knowledge was good and (67.4%) of them had good attitude towards cold chain
management. With respect to cold chain management practices, (66.7%) also
observed that the district was involved in incorrect cold chain practices such as
storage of non-vaccines in vaccine refrigerators, inadequate monitoring of
vaccine temperature (50%), inadequate temperature range for vaccine storage
(41.7%), few facilities arranging vaccines correctly (16.7%), inadequate
emergency power supply (8.3%) and non-availability of contingency plan
(100%).The major challenges identified were poor cold chain infrastructure
such as state of constant pressure and stress, electricity or power failure, delays
in reaching the underserved communities. It is therefore recommended that the
Regional Health Directorate should supply the district with cold chain
equipment and logistics, especially the remote and underserved areas of the
district, and sensitize the staff to refrain from incorrect cold chain practices
