Assessment of Cold Chain Management Practices for Antiviral Vaccine Storage in Kebbi State

Cold chain integrity is essential for preserving the potency of antiviral vaccines, including those for hepatitis B, yellow fever, and measles. Vaccine cold chain failures, which remain common in northern Nigerian states, result in the administration of subpotent vaccines that fail to confer immunity. This study assesses cold chain management practices for antiviral vaccine storage at primary and secondary health facilities in Kebbi State, North West Nigeria. A cross-sectional facility assessment will be conducted at 40 health facilities across Birnin Kebbi, Argungu, and Yauri local government areas. Assessment domains will include cold room and refrigerator functionality, temperature monitoring frequency and documentation, vaccine stock management (FIFO protocol adherence), transport cold chain compliance, and healthcare worker cold chain training history. Vaccine vial monitors on stored hepatitis B and yellow fever vaccines will be physically inspected at each visit. National cold chain assessments have reported vaccine cold chain failure rates of 20 to 40 percent in North West facilities, with the highest rates at PHC level. Findings will characterise the cold chain status in Kebbi State and provide prioritised recommendations for the State Primary Health Care Development Agency to address specific cold chain infrastructure and personnel training gaps to protect vaccine programme performance. Keywords: cold chain management, antiviral vaccines, Kebbi State, vaccine potency, PHC