Investigator(s)
| Submitter |
Cheten Zangmo Ministry of Health Cheten Zangmo 
|
| Principal Investigator |
Cheten Zangmo Ministry of Health Cheten Zangmo
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Tashi Dawa Ministry of Health Tashi Dawa
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Thinley Dorji Central Regional Referral Hospital Thinley Dorji
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Ugyen Chophel Wangdue Hospital Ugyen Chophel
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Sonam Yoezer Dechencholing Hospital Sonam Yoezer
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Monu Tamang Central Regional Referral Hospital Monu Tamang
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Sabitri Gurung Faculty of Nursing and Public Health Sabitri Gurung
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Jamyang Yeshi Dorji Faculty of Traditional Medicine Jamyang Yeshi Dorji
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Tashi Norbu Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Science of Bhutan Tashi Norbu
|
Title(s) and abstract
| Scientific title | Assessment of Cold Chain Equipment Capacity and Distribution for Vaccine Delivery in Bhutan, 2025: A Secondary Data Analysis |
| Public title | Assessment of Cold Chain Equipment Capacity and Distribution for Vaccine Delivery in Bhutan, 2025: A Secondary Data Analysis |
| Background | Bhutan has achieved remarkable progress in vaccine preventable disease since the launch of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) in 1979. The country has consistently maintained childhood vaccination coverage above 95% and achieved major public health milestones, which included being certified polio free in 2014, eliminating measles and rubella in 2017 and 2023. These achievements are largely supported by a robust vaccine supply chain and cold chain system overseen by the Vaccine Preventable Disease Program (VPDP) under the Department of Public Health (DoPH), Ministry of Health in Bhutan. Despite the critical role of cold chain equipment (CCE) in ensuring effective vaccine delivery, there is limited systematic evidence on the current status, distribution, and functionality of CCE in Bhutan. Although the program has collected cold chain data from the field to understand the distribution and storage capacity of equipment across health centres and has produced a brief report on it, there remains substantial scope for deeper analysis. In particular, further assessment is needed to examine the functional status and age profile of existing CCE units to anticipate timelines for decommissioning. Additionally, forecasting the costs associated with future requirements, including the replacement of CCE units and the procurement of spare parts, is essential to support sustainable planning and resource allocation. Therefore, this study is critical for generating comprehensive evidence that will strengthen long-term cold chain management and ensure the continued effectiveness of Bhutan’s immunization program. |
| Objectives | Among Cold Chain Equipment distributed across health facilities in Bhutan until 2025, describe: 1. The number, types, and distribution patterns of cold chain equipment (CCE) across all health facilities in Bhutan. 2. The total net volume capacity of the different categories of CCE across all levels of health facilities and by Dzongkhags. 3. The functional status and age profile of existing CCE units and predict the timeline for decommissioning them. 4. To forecast cost for future requirements and replacement of CCE units and spare parts. |
| Study Methods | This is an observational study with a retrospective review of documents on CCE records from all levels of health facilities maintained by the VPDP. Data, available in Microsoft Excel with VPDP, will be exported and then analysed using STATA (version 18, STATA Corp LP USA). |
| Expected outcomes and use of results | We will present summary statistics in tables and figures. This Study will generate the baseline information on availability, distribution, and the characteristics of different cold chain equipment across all levels of health facilities in Bhutan. The outcome of the study will assist stakeholders related to vaccine programmes under the Ministry of Health to improve future preparedness and ensure the sustainability of the vaccine delivery system in Bhutan. |
| Keywords | Bhutan; cold chain; Immunization; Vaccination; Vaccine preventable disease |
Research Details
| Student research | No |
| Start Date | 01-Apr-2026 |
| End Date | 30-Jul-2026 |
| Key Implementing Institution | Ministry of Health |
| Multi-country research | No |
| Nationwide research | Yes |
| Research Domain(s) | Communicable Disease Research |
| Research field(s) | Immunization/Vaccine Preventable Disease |
| Involves human subjects | No |
| Data Collection | Secondary data |
| Proposal reviewed by other Committee | No |