As Rwanda continues strengthening its digital immunization ecosystem, the integration of barcode scanning into the electronic Vaccine Logistics Management Information System (e-VLMIS) alongside enhancements in the e-Tracker marks a significant milestone. This transition is designed to improve vaccine traceability, data quality, and overall supply chain efficiency.
Through a joint training organized by the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) and supported by UNICEF, the HISP Rwanda team facilitated intensive capacity-building sessions for central-level teams, EPI (Expanded Program on Immunization) supervisors from 46 catchment areas, and Zipline staff.
Core Focus Areas
The training was structured to bridge the gap between vaccine logistics and real-time service delivery through four primary objectives:
- Barcode Integration: Implementing barcode scanning into e-VLMIS to automate vaccine verification, reducing manual entry errors and ensuring end-to-end traceability.
- e-Tracker Optimization: Strengthening the use of the e-Tracker for precise immunization registration, longitudinal patient reporting, and proactive defaulter follow-up.
- Workflow Enhancement: Streamlining vaccine stock management and reporting processes to ensure that logistics data matches clinical reality.
- Data-Driven Governance: Improving data quality and supervision tools to empower health officials with evidence-based decision-making capabilities.
Technical Facilitation by HISP Rwanda
HISP Rwanda contributed specialized technical expertise to ensure the transition from theory to practice was seamless for all participants. The training methodology included:
- Hands-on Demonstrations: Live walkthroughs of the new barcode scanning interface within the e-VLMIS environment.
- System Navigation: Deep dives into the e-Tracker’s updated modules to ensure supervisors can troubleshoot and manage data at the catchment level.
- Practical Exercises: Simulating real-world scenarios, from receiving stock via Zipline drones to registering a child’s vaccination and updating the inventory simultaneously.
- Workflow Guidance: Expert advice on coordinating the “last mile” of vaccine logistics with clinical service delivery.
By supporting the adoption of these digital innovations, HISP Rwanda continues to contribute to more resilient health information systems and, ultimately, better health outcomes for every child in Rwanda.
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