Immunization
Cold Chain and Logistics
UNICEF supports national immunization programmes in several ways. One critical area is cold chain and logistics.
Vaccines are biological products that must be kept within a narrow temperature range, usually 2-8 degrees Centigrade (36-45º F). The cold chain refers to the storage and transport equipment that enables vaccine to be kept at this temperature from the point of manufacture to the point of use in an immunization session or a clinic.
On 1 November 2007, UNICEF hosted the first meeting of partners involved in immunization to enhance and coordinate the collective support provided to national governments.
The goals of the partnership are to develop:
- a framework for CCL strengthening;
- indicators to monitor progress;
- methods and database to share information;
- country prioritisation; and
- roles for each agency.
The outcomes are to build national capacity to:
- define policies and procedures;
- implement and monitor;
- inventory cold chain equipment; and
- manage vaccine stock.
Read the full meeting report [PDF].
