Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network introduced in Nagaland to address widespread inequities in vaccine coverage
Morung Express News
Kohima | September 13
An electronic logistics system called eVIN (electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network) to improve vaccine coverage has been introduced in Nagaland. An ongoing DVSM/SVSM training is being held at Hotel Vivor from September 13 to 14. eVIN provides an integrated solution to address widespread inequities in vaccine coverage by supporting state governments in overcoming constraints of infrastructure, monitoring and management information systems and human resources, often resulting in overstocking and stock-outs of vaccines in storage centers.
During the inaugural session, the welcome address was delivered by Dr. Yankho Lotha, Mission Director NHM while the keynote address was given by Dr. Manish Pant, Senior National Program Manager UNDP, New Delhi. The scenario of UIP Nagaland was highlighted by Dr. Visasieü Kire, State Immunization Officer.
In Nagaland, more than 250 government staff including vaccine store-keepers and cold chain handlers will be trained on mobile and Web-based eVIN application. Nearly 150 temperature loggers will be installed at over 130 vaccine stores and cold chain points in all the districts for accurate temperature review.
Dr. Manish Pant stated that the major challenges faced in the country on vaccination are the haphazard stock-keeping, improper records, and the short shelf life of vaccines. To avoid these challenges, eVIN has been introduced by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in all the eleven districts in Nagaland which aims to provide real time information on vaccine stocks and flows, and storage temperatures across all cold chain points in Nagaland.
Another crucial objective of the integrated solution is to strengthen the evidence base for improved policymaking in vaccine delivery, procurement and planning for new antigens in India, home to the world’s largest cohort of over 27 million.
eVIN is being rolled-out in 211 districts of Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Manipur, Nagaland and Odisha, which will enable better vaccine logistics management at more than 10,000 cold chain points reaching out to nearly 60 percent of children under the age of two in the country. 150 smart phones will be distributed among the health centers to operate the integrated solution.
How does eVIN work?
All cold chain handlers are provided smart phones with the eVIN application which allows for the digitization of vaccine inventories. As a routine task, every cold chain handler enters the net utilization for each vaccine in the standardized registers at the end of every immunization day.
This is simultaneously updated in the eVIN application and uploaded on a cloud server which can then be viewed by programme managers at district, state and national levels through online dashboards. In addition to providing real-time information on vaccine stocks, the system also helps to track storage temperature of vaccines. SIM-enabled temperature loggers attached to the cold chain equipment capture temperature information through a digital sensor placed in the refrigerator.
Temperature data is recorded every ten minutes and updated at an interval of sixty minutes on the server via General Packet Radio Service (GPRS). In case of temperature breach, the logger alarms and sends email and SMS alerts to responsible cold chain technicians and managers.
eVIN empowers the cold chain handlers by building technical capacities and providing a robust decision-making tool for cold chain managers through a complete overview of vaccine replenishment times, supply and consumption patterns.
By streamlining the vaccine flow network, eVIN is a powerful contribution to strengthening of health systems and ensures equity through easy and timely availability of vaccines to all children. The technological innovation is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with financial support from Gavi-the vaccine alliance.
