Measles Vaccines at Risk: Serious Deficiencies Detected in Lima Norte Health Centers

Six health facilities in Lima Norte, Peru, are failing to adequately store vaccines against measles and other diseases due to serious deficiencies in their cold chain systems, the General Comptroller's Office warned. This finding comes just days after the Ministry of Health issued an epidemiological alert to intensify surveillance and vaccination efforts for measles.

A review conducted between May and June revealed that several health centers lacked essential equipment for maintaining the proper storage of biological products. These facilities, located in Puente Piedra, San Martín de Porres, Comas, Independencia, and Rímac, were found to be missing crucial items such as voltage stabilizers, forcing refrigerators and freezers to be connected directly to the power grid. Additionally, they lacked temperature monitoring alarms, backup generators, fire prevention equipment, and maintenance tools for their refrigeration systems.

The affected centers include the Dr. Enrique Martín Altuna Maternal and Child Health Center in Puente Piedra; the México Maternal and Child Center in San Martín de Porres; the Primavera Health Post in Comas; the José Olaya Health Post and the Milagro de Fraternidad Health Center in Independencia; and the Caquetá Health Center in Rímac. The comptroller's office considers these shortcomings a significant risk, as interruptions in the cold chain can compromise the quality, safety, and efficacy of vaccines.

While the six facilities confirmed they have sufficient stocks of measles, mumps, and rubella (SPR) vaccines for children up to 10 years old and are continuing immunization activities, the Comptroller's Office has recommended that the Integrated Health Networks of Lima Norte take immediate corrective actions. These measures are necessary to rectify the identified deficiencies and ensure that vaccines are stored under appropriate conditions, safeguarding public health.