The vaccine cold chain from factory to syringe is challenging, but particularly in least developed countries (LDCs). Three billion people live in countries with inadequate temperature-controlled storage to support the COVID vaccine effort.
The Covax initiative aims to distribute vaccines to developing nations, but logistics are daunting. World Health Organization estimates half of vaccines are lost to waste, such as heat exposure and vial breakage. There are shortages of refrigerators, syringes, electricity and reliable transportation. Container ships are not equipped to refrigerate vaccines with limited shelf life. Air cargo is expensive and DHL estimates that 15,000 flights would be needed to vaccinate the entire planet, stretching capacity and dry ice supplies. Creative options are being explored, such as multi-dose vials, drone deliveries, and using food storage for vaccines, but planning is needed.
MOSIMTEC healthcare simulation modeling can help. Our engineers use powerful, state of the art modeling tools to solve problems, with loads of variables and variability, when failure is not an option. We can help you manage complexity, identify and explore multiple options, reduce cost/risk, make optimal decisions, and implement effectively. MOSIMTEC can help.
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To learn more, visit: https://www.who.int/initiatives/act-accelerator/covax