Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVIN) is a crucial tool being utilized by the State/UT governments in India. Originally created to facilitate the monitoring of vaccinations, eVIN has been adapted to help manage supplies essential for the response to COVID-19. This article will delve deeper into what eVIN does, its objectives, who implements it, and the details of its integrated solutions.
What is eVIN?
eVIN, short for Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network, is a technology system developed within India. It serves two main purposes: digitalizing vaccine stock records and keeping tabs on cold chain storage temperatures through a smartphone application. Initial use of eVIN was focused on immunizations; however, the technology has been customized for use during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Objective of eVIN
eVIN aims to buttress the immunization supply chain systems across the country. Its key function is to assist the Government of India’s Universal Immunization Programme by providing real-time updates on vaccine stocks, distribution, and storage temperatures at all cold chain points across the various states.
Implementation of eVIN
eVIN operates under the oversight of the National Health Mission (NHM). The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare shares this responsibility with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), their partnership vital for the consistently successful implementation of the programme.
eVIN’s Integrated Solution
This system integrates technology, governance, and human resources. The technology part provides real-time information on vaccine stocks and storage temperature online, which aids in making evidence-based decisions. Governance comes into play by organizing record-keeping procedures, improving logistics, and promoting good practices to ensure efficient vaccine logistics management. Finally, emphasis on human resources empowers the state cold chain network by building the capacities of handlers and managers at each stage of vaccine supply.
Universal Immunization Programme
The Indian government launched the Universal Immunization Programme in 1985 with the purpose of preventing mortality and morbidity in children and pregnant women from 12 vaccine-preventable diseases. These diseases include Tuberculosis, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, Hepatitis B, Pneumonia, Meningitis due to Haemophilus Influenzae type b (Hib), Measles, Rubella, Japanese Encephalitis (JE), and Rotavirus diarrhoea. The UIP is one of the most expansive health programmes globally.
Potential Future Usage of eVIN
The solid platform that eVIN provides could be used for any new vaccines, including a COVID-19 vaccine, when it becomes available. The system can contribute significantly to strengthening health systems and ensuring equitable access to vaccines for all children, pregnant women, and other vulnerable groups. Furthermore, eVIN can be scaled up to create VALUE (Vaccine and Logistics Utilisation Evaluator), a handheld device intended for capturing vaccine administration data, ensuring last-mile beneficiary reach, and aiding in fully automating the process of forecasting, indenting, and supplying vaccines based on historic actual consumption.
