This calls for a pivotal transition toward digitizing the healthcare supply chain to increase efficiency and strengthen supply chain and inventory management to provide quality health care for all and eventually achieve targets to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as part of the national health plan.

How has the pandemic affected vaccine care for children?

According to a United Nations Children Fund and Health Ministry report, ever since the first case of COVID-19 was reported in March, vaccine coverage for children has been declining. With emphasis toward tackling COVID-19, the report showed that 84 percent of health facilities’ immunization services have been disrupted by the COVID-19 outbreak, whereby they are interrupted partially or forced to shut down immunization services completely. 

Mothers are faced with challenges juggling the current situation and the potential childhood diseases they will face if their newborn child does not complete their immunization schedules.

The lack of quality control for vaccines could lead to other outbreaks if not monitored properly. The latter could be problematic, especially post-pandemic, to heal the country’s wounds, preventive measures should be implemented for restoration, thus a cost effective and efficient operation will be required as we know that the pandemic has caused a downturn to our economy.

The role of intergovernmental organizations is significant to address these equity challenges and bridge the gaps between the community and the government as they will remain key actors in addressing peace, security, health and socio-economic challenges.

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