Vaccine logistics management information system at public health facilities in Amhara region, Ethiopia: a performance evaluation

Objectives
The study aimed to evaluate the performance of vaccine logistics management information systems at public health facilities in Amhara Region, Ethiopia.

Methods
An institution-based concurrent explanatory mixed design was used in public health facilities in the Amhara Region of Ethiopia. One hundred two health facilities were selected using a multi-stage stratified random sampling proportionate to the size method. A structured data abstraction checklist was used to collect data from vaccine logistics management information system recordings. Additionally, an interviewer-administered questionnaire was employed to capture the experience of Expanded Program for Immunization focal persons.

Results
Of the 102 health facilities surveyed, 99 (97.1%) were providing vaccination services during the study period. The mean percentage availability and utilization of 15 vaccine logistics management information system forms on the day of the visit was 44.1% and 40.5%, respectively. The mean inventory accuracy of tracer vaccines was 58.3±45.1. The overall average percentage accuracy of the Urban and Rural Vaccine Request Form reports was 73.4% and 69.6%, respectively.

Conclusion
The performance of vaccine logistics management information systems in public health facilities is sub-optimal. The major bottlenecks identified were the inconsistent use of vaccine logistics management information system recording forms across health facilities, shortage of reporting forms, lack of digitalization, low data quality, and absence of qualified staff. These findings indicate the need to standardize the vaccine logistics management information system and improve data quality.