Celebrating cold chain deployment in Fiji
The BES/mSupply Fiji Cold Chain project has celebrated a significant milestone: the successful completion of mSupply cold chain deployments in the Western division of Fiji. On September 4th, the team marked the last deployment for this Division, bringing coverage to 100%, finalizing the installation of cold chain systems at Malolo Health Centre. This facility had hitherto been closed due to staffing issues but reopened with the arrival of a new nurse and doctor. The deployment of this system not only enhanced the facility’s operational capacity but also symbolized the project’s overall success in bringing cold chain technology to all functioning health centers in the division.
Cold chain systems are critical for maintaining the integrity of vaccines by keeping them at required temperatures. In tropical regions like Fiji, this is particularly challenging, given the heat and logistical difficulties. Through coordinated efforts however, the deployment team has installed these systems in 145 out of the 173 health facilities in Fiji with functional vaccine fridges (another 29 facilities either do not have refrigerators or are currently closed). This achievement in Western Division represents a significant leap forward in ensuring that vaccines remain viable and effective across the country.
The mSupply cold chain module thus provides real-time monitoring of fridge temperatures across nearly every vaccine fridge in the country. The system integrates with the mSupply stock management platform so that when breaches are detected, supply chain and cold chain managers can immediately see which vaccines may be affected, their value, and nearby fridges that may be used to temporarily store stock. Notifications are automated and maintenance teams can be deployed more quickly (and more efficiently), whilst the risk of adverse events from using affected vaccines in children is greatly reduced.
The roll-out of the module was funded by the Australian Government’s Vaccine Access and Health Security Initiative (VAHSI), with support from the Australian Program Support Facility in Fiji (TetraTech) and the Australian High Commission in Suva. Most importantly, the project has been spearheaded and led by the Fiji MHMS, including and especially Dr Rachel Devi and her team in the Family Health Division.
Malolo Health Centre staff and BES/mSupply Cold Chain Deployment Manager (centre) Shonal Kumar marked the final deployment of the mSupply Cold Chain module in Western Division, Fiji
The Importance of Cold Chain Technology
Cold chain technology is not just about installing refrigerators. It involves the use of real-time monitoring systems that alert staff to temperature breaches, ensuring that vaccines remain potent and effective. In Fiji, the system now relies on Cold Chain tablets that monitor vaccine fridge temperatures and send alerts when something goes wrong. These systems are vital, particularly in remote areas where manual monitoring might be prone to human error.
For example, in mid-February, one of the two vaccine fridges at the Korovou MCH Clinic malfunctioned, causing a temperature breach. The staff only noticed the problem thanks to the blinking hot breach alert on the Cold Chain tablet. The alert allowed them to transfer the vaccines to the second fridge on-site and contact the Fiji Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Services (FPBS) cold chain team for support. This quick action prevented any potential loss of vaccines.
Similarly, in March, after installing the cold chain system at Vunidawa Hospital, BES cold chain staff observed temperatures exceeding 20 degrees Celsius on the Cold Chain Dashboard. A quick call to the on-site team confirmed that the fridge was indeed faulty. Thanks to the cold chain system’s real-time monitoring, the team was able to act quickly, contact the FPBS cold chain team, and schedule a replacement for the malfunctioning fridge. The affected vaccines were safely removed from circulation, ensuring they would not be used on children attending for a vaccination.
These examples underscore the cold chain system’s vital role in either maintaining vaccine integrity or protecting patient safety when infrastructure fails.
The Impact on Healthcare
Beyond the technical achievements, the Cold Chain project has had a significant impact on healthcare delivery in Fiji. The new system has replaced manual temperature checks, which were often prone to human oversight. Health workers now have real-time alerts that allow them to catch issues early, safeguarding vaccine efficacy. This is especially important in a country like Fiji, where many communities rely on vaccines to prevent outbreaks of serious diseases. The automation also saves valuable staff time – critical in a setting where nurses wear several hats and typically work long hours across multiple clinical areas.
One of the nurses at Tuvu NS commented on how the new system has improved their work:
“Before the Cold Chain system, we relied on manual checks, which were prone to oversight. Now, with real-time alerts, we catch issues early and prevent any potential damage to vaccine efficacy.”
Another healthcare professional, a Nurse Manager at Nausori Health Center, noted,
“I’ve been in the medical field for years, and the Cold Chain system is one of the best advancements I’ve seen. It’s not just about compliance, it’s about ensuring the potency of vaccines and safeguarding the health of our community.”
The success of the cold chain deployment in Fiji is a reflection of the combined efforts of local and international teams, working together to improve healthcare in the Pacific. The real-time temperature monitoring has transformed how vaccines are stored and handled, providing peace of mind to healthcare workers and ensuring that vaccines remain effective even in the most remote parts of the country.
The Road Ahead
While the completion of the cold chain deployment in the Western division is a remarkable achievement, the journey isn’t over. With 145 of the 173 health facilities equipped with functional vaccine fridges, efforts will continue to address the needs of the remaining facilities. Some of these facilities are closed or unmanned, presenting ongoing challenges. However, with the Cold Chain system in place in the majority of the country, Fiji is now better equipped to manage its vaccine supply and ensure that vaccines remain potent from storage to administration.
Work also remains to ensure that MHMS staff are fully equipped to monitor the incoming temperature data across all divisions, so that breaches are being acted on swiftly and appropriately.
The Fiji Cold Chain project’s success highlights the importance of collaboration, innovation, and perseverance in the face of logistical challenges. By harnessing technology and working closely with healthcare providers, the project seeks to make a lasting impact on the health of communities across Fiji. As the team looks to the future, they remain committed to improving cold chain infrastructure in other divisions and continuing to safeguard the integrity of vaccines for all Fijians.
The deployment of cold chain technology across the Western division of Fiji – part of the largest current deployment of this mSupply cold chain technology – is a monumental step toward improving healthcare delivery in the region.
Special mentions
Read more about mSupply’s cold chain module
