Cold Chain Officer

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Angola's immunization program faces severe challenges, with low coverage rates and a high number of zero-dose children—those who have not received the Pentavalent 1 vaccine. As of the 2023 WHO and UNICEF Estimates of National Immunization Coverage (WUENIC), Angola is among the top 20 countries with the highest number of zero-dose children, and Pentavalent 1 coverage has consistently remained below 80% over the past decade. This ongoing issue highlights significant weaknesses in the health system’s ability to deliver vaccines effectively, leaving many children vulnerable to preventable diseases.

The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these challenges, causing a decline in immunization coverage due to disrupted health services and resource diversion. Angola is now experiencing a widespread measles outbreak affecting 38 municipalities across 13 provinces. Additionally, the country is confronting an outbreak of circulating vaccine-derived poliomyelitis (cVDPV), a serious consequence of inadequate vaccination coverage. These outbreaks underscore the urgent need for improved immunization efforts and infrastructure.

The cold chain system, crucial for maintaining vaccine efficacy, is under considerable strain as only 60% oh health facilities in the country have cold chain equipment. Inadequate cold chain infrastructure and temperature monitoring systems, coupled with logistical difficulties, hinder effective vaccine distribution, especially in remote areas. There is an urgent need to assess and enhance cold chain capacity, ensuring vaccines are stored and transported at the correct temperatures.

Recruiting a United Nations Volunteer (UNV) Cold Chain Officer is essential to address these issues. The Cold Chain Officer will work under the supervision of the Immunization Specialist to support strengthen the cold chain infrastructure, improve temperature monitoring, and support vaccine distribution. This role is critical for enhancing Angola's immunization program and achieving universal vaccine coverage.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Immunization Specialist or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Cold Chain Officer will:

1. Assess needs for additional cold chain equipment, and develop operational deployment plans for new equipment to ensure reduction in cold chain capacity gaps.
2. Support the planning and implementation of cold chain infrastructure expansion, including the introduction of new technologies and equipment to meet increasing immunization demands.
3. Develop and implement contingency plans for cold chain failures or emergencies, ensuring that vaccines are safeguarded during power outages, equipment failures, or natural disasters.
4. Conduct regular training sessions for health workers and logistics personnel on cold chain best practices, equipment handling, and emergency procedures.
5. Regularly assess the performance and coverage of the cold chain system, identifying gaps and areas for improvement to enhance overall immunization program effectiveness
6. Ensure that all cold chain equipment, including refrigerators, freezers, and temperature monitoring devices, is regularly serviced, maintained, and calibrated according to manufacturers' guidelines.
7. Support EPI programme to oversee the maintenance and integrity of the cold chain for vaccines, ensuring that all vaccines are stored and transported at the appropriate temperatures from the point of manufacture to the point of use.
8. Support implementation and management of temperature monitoring systems to ensure real-time tracking and recording of storage conditions, and promptly address any deviations.
9. Collaborate with supply chain teams to ensure the efficient distribution of vaccines, minimizing risks of temperature excursions during transport and storage.
10. Support the maintenance of accurate records of temperature logs, equipment maintenance, and any incidents of temperature excursions, and report these to relevant authorities for timely action.
11. Ensure that all cold chain activities comply with national and international standards, guidelines, and best practices, and participate in quality assurance audits.
12. Perform any other duties as may be assigned to him from time to time