Assessment of Cold Chain Compliance in Vaccine Storage at Local Government Health Authority Facilities in Yola, Adamawa State, North East Nigeria

Vaccines are temperature-sensitive biological products whose potency and efficacy depend on unbroken cold chain maintenance from production to administration. Cold chain failures result in vaccine spoilage, representing both a financial loss and a public health risk from ineffective immunization. This study assessed cold chain compliance at vaccine storage facilities managed by the Local Government Health Authority in Yola, Adamawa State, North East Nigeria. A cross-sectional observational design was employed across 12 primary health care facilities in five local government areas of Yola metropolis. A standardized checklist assessed cold chain equipment functionality, temperature monitoring practices, stock management, vaccine placement, and staff training compliance. Results showed that only 50 percent of facilities maintained the required temperature range of two to eight degrees Celsius consistently throughout the study period. Temperature logs were incomplete in 67 percent of facilities, and freeze indicators were absent in 58 percent. Staff trained specifically in cold chain management within the preceding two years were present in only 33 percent of facilities. Equipment maintenance records were largely unavailable. These findings indicate significant cold chain vulnerabilities that could compromise vaccine efficacy in Adamawa State. The study recommends urgent investment in cold chain infrastructure, routine temperature audit systems, and targeted training of pharmaceutical and health personnel in vaccine storage management. Keywords: cold chain, vaccine storage, Yola, primary health care, immunization