Supply chains and delivery systems for pig vaccines in Uganda – Challenges and solutions

Abstract

Pig production is a vital source of livelihood for many smallholder farmers in Uganda, contributing significantly to food security and livelihoods. However, farmers face numerous challenges that hinder pig productivity and profitability. A critical aspect of disease control is the availability and accessibility of effective vaccines. This study aimed to identify barriers to the uptake of pig vaccines by practitioners and farmers in Uganda. We employed a systematic literature review with qualitative investigation, including focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs) to characterise the pig vaccine supply chain, identify actors involved, barriers and challenges faced, and propose possible solutions. The study identified a supply chain involving multiple actors, including vaccine importers, wholesalers, retailers, and end users. Key barriers identified were policy weaknesses, incoordination, structural (poor staffing and funding of veterinary services), technical (knowledge gaps), logistical (limited infrastructure), and socio-economic (high costs).
Contribution: This study highlights key barriers to farmers’ uptake of pig vaccines. It highlights a need for the Ugandan government to strengthen the regulation, control, and monitoring of pig vaccines. Given that policy and structural, technical, logistical, and socio-economic barriers exist at different nodes of the value chain, specific interventions are needed to address them. There is a need for capacity building of value chain actors – especially veterinary practitioners and farmers on the safe use and benefits of vaccines. The vaccine supply chain actors would benefit from increased investments in infrastructure, such as cold chain facilities, by public and private sector players. Future studies on the epidemiology of important diseases, vaccine efficacy, and socio-cultural barriers to vaccine uptake are recommended.