COLD CHAIN OF THE PERUVIAN NATIONAL IMMUNIZATION PROGRAM IN THE CONTEXT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify critical aspects of the Cold Chain in the immunization process in Peru. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted, analyzing data from the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) and the Ministry of Health (MINSA) for the years 2020-2021, as well as administrative records from the MINSA's Regional Health Strategies for immunizations in 2020. Technical aspects established in the Health Technical Standard for Cold Chain Management, such as obsolescence, allocation, functionality, and storage capacity were taken into account. Results: In the year 2020, at the national level, 61.8% of the cold chain equipment showed obsolescence, with some regions exceeding 75%, with Lima’s metropolitan region being the most affected at 88%. Concerning equipment allocation, 9% of the first-level health facilities lacked refrigeration equipment, with Loreto having the highest deficit (46%), followed by Huancavelica with a 21% gap. The overall equipment functionality nationwide was 84%, meaning that 16% of health facilities experienced technical failures, affecting vaccine’s storage capacity and posing risks to their safety and immunogenicity. Significant gaps were identified when considering quarterly or monthly storage for COVID-19 vaccines or other health emergencies. Conclusions: This study highlights potential risks in the operability and storage capacity of the national immunization program's vaccines in Peru during contingencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic or other health emergencies.