At least 5.6 million COVID-19 vaccines, valued at 28.15 billion Shillings, have expired at the National Medical Stores (NMS), as revealed in the latest audit report for the financial year concluding on June 30, 2023. NMS is mandated to procure, store and distribute essential medicines and medical supplies to all public health facilities in the Country.
Auditor General John Muwanga presented this concerning information to Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among.
Out of a total vaccine stock of 12.59 million doses at the NMS, the expired vaccines constitute a significant loss. The report indicates that additional expired COVID-19 vaccines are still present in various health facilities nationwide, projecting an estimated combined loss of 300 billion Shillings in the coming year (2024). These vaccines were procured through a World Bank loan allocated for COVID-19 support.
Muwanga highlights that the NMS holds a non-viable or expired drug stock valued at 33 billion Shillings, marking a substantial 153 percent increase from the previous year’s 13.4 billion. This includes a notable quantity of Anti-retroviral medications (ARVs), primarily expiring due to changes in the recommended treatment guidelines by the World Health Organization.
According to the report, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Diana Atwine, explained that the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines was speculative due to the ongoing pandemic. The government had committed conditional grants from the World Bank to manufacturers for vaccine production and delivery, which couldn’t be halted.
Atwine disclosed that funds from GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, have been secured to manage the recovery and destruction of all expired COVID-19 vaccines. The Auditor General emphasized the need for prompt action in recovering and destroying these vaccines, urging the government to prioritize prudent planning in emergencies.
Furthermore, Muwanga advised the National Medical Stores’ Accounting Officer to align the budget for Essential Medicines and Health Supplies (EMHS) appropriately with demand. This aims to prevent drug overstocking, ensuring timely distribution and delivery to health facilities across the country.