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Barriers exist for penetration of vaccines in developing countries

Industry expert stresses on the importance of a robust cold chain to ensure potency of temperature-sensitive medication

  • By Content Team |
  • Published: February 14, 2018
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A large number of low-income and developing countries face socio-geographic issues, such as population size and power availability, in addition to financial constraints that may pose as barriers for vaccine coverage. This was the observation Mahesh Krishnamoorthy, CEO and Founder of Degree M Labs, shared with Climate Control Middle East, citing the main issues as vast geography, population size, availability of power in remote areas and terrain (desert, mountains, etc.), as well as a host of other possible cultural barriers. In addition to this, Krishnamoorthy stressed that vaccines are biological products that slowly become inactive over time and must be kept within narrow temperature ranges from manufacturers to those receiving them. “When exposed to temperatures outside of this narrow range, the loss of potency may be accelerated,” he said.

Krishnamoorthy shared that there have been many instances of vaccine-associated paralysis and other disabilities caused by vaccines, reported from many countries. However, he emphasised, as there is no record of the temperature at which the vaccines have been stored and transported available for enquiry, “the reason is usually not pinned down”.

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