HEALTH PRODUCTS STORAGE: COLD CHAIN AND DRY STORAGE ASSESSMENT IN NORTHWESTERN NIGERIA

The study assesses the capacity and efficiency of health facilities in Katsina State, Northwestern Nigeria, to store health products that require both cold chain and dry storage. This survey-based research was conducted across randomly selected health service delivery points in all 34 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Katsina State. Eleven data collectors, trained on the adapted USAID|DELIVER Project’s Logistics Indicators Assessment Tool (LIAT), evaluated storage conditions at 314 health facilities. Six cold chain and seventeen dry storage indicators were assessed. Findings reveal better infrastructure for dry storage than cold storage. While 72-91% of facilities met most dry storage indicators, only 39% had accessible fire safety equipment. For cold storage, just 23% of facilities had electricity during the visit, 36% had functional refrigerators, and 13% maintained liquefied petroleum gas supplies for backup. Health facilities in Katsina State face challenges, particularly in cold chain storage. Investments in reliable power sources and fire safety are recommended to improve storage conditions and safeguard public health.