Vaccine stock management in primary health care facilities in OR Tambo District, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Background: Poor stock management has been identified as one of the causes of vaccine stock-outs in health facilities. This study assessed the occurrence of vaccine stock-outs and vaccine stock management practices in primary health care facilities in OR Tambo district of the Eastern Cape province, South Africa.

Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study design was used in this study to assess both the stock management practices and the availability of vaccines in the facilities. The study was conducted in 64 primary health care facilities across all sub-districts in OR Tambo. Data were collected using a questionnaire administered by the researcher, record checks and through observation. The occurrence of stock-outs of six tracer vaccines on the day of the visit and in the preceding 24 months were assessed. The data were captured into REDCap tool and analysed using STATA version 14.

Results: Most standard stock management procedures were not adhered to, as these procedures were mostly handled by health care workers who either required formal training or refresher training on vaccine management. Cold chain capacity was not adequate and some vaccines were exposed to freezing. Both stock cards and the stock visibility solution (SVS) device were used in all the facilities for vaccine stock management. Less than half of the facilities visited 27 (44%) filled their stock cards regularly. Delays in receiving supplies from the pharmaceutical depot were commonly reported by facilities, which contributed to stock-outs. A total of 49 (77%) health facilities had at least one stockout for at least one vaccine on the day of the visit. Furthermore, BCG and OPV were the most affected vaccines in 37 (58%) and 28 (44%) of facilities, respectively.

Conclusion: Interventions for improving vaccine availability should be considered, especially those targeting human resources and the entire stock management system.