Cold Chain Adequacy for Childhood Immunization Coverage in Bolgatanga Municipality, A Study in Upper East Region of Ghana

Background: The Expanded Programme on Immunization is an initiative that was introduced by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1974 to ensure there is equitable access to life-saving vaccines for every child, regardless of their geographic location or socioeconomic status.Availability of cold chain equipment such as vaccine fridges, deep freezers and cold-boxes etc are indispensable.Transportation is and human resource equally important to ensure that vaccines reach their destination.The main aim of the study was to assess the cold chain adequacy for childhood immunization coverage in the Bolgatanga Municipality of Ghana.This cross-sectional study employed quantitative methods.A total population sampling method was used to include all the 56 facilities in the Municipality in the study.Some selected health staff were interviewed.The results show that only 28.6% of health facilities had adequate cold chain arrangements in the study area.The study results showed that the majority (87.5%) of facilities had means of transport to support immunization activities however, 53.6% of facilities covered more than 5 kilometres to reach their nearest cold chain site.Again, 57.1% of facilities had only one staff to manage cold chain and immunization activities which was statistically significant (p-value =0.005).The study concluded that cold chain equipment for the maintenance of vaccine potency and to influence immunization uptake in the Bolgatanga Municipality was inadequate.However, means of transport which aided in the collection and distribution of vaccines were not a challenge.Low staffing to manage cold chain and immunization activities was a predictor of low immunization.The study recommends Ministry of Health/Ghana Health Services (MOH/GHS) and partners to procure and distribute vaccine storage equipment to all health facilities in the Municipality.More staffs should be trained in cold chain and immunization activities.