Ghana: Understanding Changes in Vaccine Presentation

In 2016, a Dose Per Container Partnership (DPCP) study team reviewed policy and planning documents, records, and monitoring reports from the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI). They also observed vaccine storage, supply chain management, and service delivery at several facilities; and conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews with stakeholders—government officials, HCWs, the Ghana Extended Program on Immunization (EPI) team, Gavi, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the World Health Organization (WHO)—to examine 1) how decisions about the dose per container (DPC) switch were made, 2) what information and tools were available, and 3) whether any tools were used to support the process.

Overall, decision-makers in Ghana relied on limited information to determine DPC changes. Using a broader range of resources, and considering the many trade-offs implied in any change of vaccine presentation (beyond price and cold chain requirements) could lead to more comprehensive deliberations on vaccine presentation and policy. JSI, 2017.