Ethiopia faces significant challenges in maintaining the potency of life-saving vaccines, particularly in rural areas and regions affected by conflict. Weak cold chain infrastructure has long hindered efforts to store and distribute vaccines at the correct temperatures, limiting access and increasing the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases.
One such area that struggled with these challenges was Sagure Health Center in Digalu Tijo district, Oromia region. With limited refrigeration capacity, the facility faced difficulties in storing vaccines safely. This situation led to restricted access to immunizations, complicating efforts to protect communities from disease outbreaks. However, recent investments in cold chain infrastructure are set to change that.
Recognizing the urgent need for improved vaccine storage and distribution, a collaborative effort was launched to strengthen Ethiopia’s health system. A $3.12 million investment has provided critical cold chain equipment and transportation resources to enhance vaccine access across the country.
On February 21, 2025, new cold chain infrastructure was officially handed over to the Ministry of Health. The investment includes ten Toyota 4×4 vehicles, four refrigerated trucks, ten fridge conversion units, 32 refrigerators, 80 freezers, 965 cold boxes, 1,365 vaccine carriers, and 2,000 temperature monitoring devices and accessories. These resources will be distributed across 112 health facilities in 94 districts, covering Central Ethiopia, Oromia, South Ethiopia, and Tigray regions.
The Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Supply Service (EPSS) will manage the transportation of vaccines and essential medicines, ensuring efficient last-mile delivery to health facilities nationwide. This initiative significantly boosts the capacity of Ethiopia’s healthcare system, making vaccines more accessible to the most vulnerable populations.
Sagure Health Center is among the many facilities set to benefit from these upgrades. With new refrigeration equipment in place, the center can now safely store vaccines while maintaining their efficacy. Additionally, health workers will utilize newly acquired vaccine carriers to expand outreach programs, bringing immunization services closer to communities that previously had limited access.
Improving cold chain systems plays a critical role in strengthening Ethiopia’s immunization program and advancing the goal of universal health coverage. By bridging the gap between urban and rural communities, the initiative ensures that both children and adults receive life-saving vaccines, reducing the risk of disease outbreaks.
The importance of sustainable health infrastructure goes beyond the immediate provision of equipment. Ensuring long-term success requires a well-trained workforce, data-driven decision-making, and efficient logistics management. Additionally, sustainable financing mechanisms are essential to maintain and expand cold chain capabilities over time.
Strengthening vaccine storage and distribution systems is part of a broader effort to enhance emergency preparedness and outbreak response capabilities. The continued focus on addressing last-mile gaps will be instrumental in ensuring that vaccines remain effective from storage to administration.
Enhancing cold chain capabilities is a crucial step in maintaining the potency of vaccines and other essential medical supplies. Ongoing efforts to strengthen health systems across Ethiopia will help ensure that all communities, regardless of location, have reliable access to immunizations. By improving logistics and investing in resilient healthcare infrastructure, the country moves closer to achieving its public health goals and protecting its population against preventable diseases.
