Assessment of cold chain and logistics management practices in the Universal Immunization Programme: A mixed method study in the West district of Tripura

Background: Effective implementation of the Universal Immunization Program is related to vaccine safety, effective cold chain management and knowledge and skills of the cold chain handlers. The study was done to assess the Cold chain practices and logistics management under Universal Immunization Program in the West district of Tripura. Material and Methods: The study is a mixed method study (Quantitative and Qualitative). In Quantitative method Cross-sectional and in Quantitative method In-depth interviews was conducted among Cold chain handlers till data saturation over 3 month period in 28 nos of cold chain points of West Tripura district. Results: 82.1% of the CCPs were having dedicated cold chain rooms. Only 28.4% of CCPs had dedicated power backup. Temperature monitoring of cold chain equipment, vaccine storage and management, and recordkeeping was found satisfactory. However, supportive supervision was lacking. All CCHs had satisfactory knowledge about cold chain management systems. Conclusion: Overall result is satisfactory; further improvement can be done by good supportive supervision as a key measure in the improvement of cold chain system.