Newcastle disease vaccine supply chain in traditional chicken production systems in rural Burkina Faso

Background: Newcastle disease (ND) is a major challenge to traditional chicken farming in Burkina Faso, making an effective vaccination strategy essential. Aim: This study aimed at understanding the ND vaccine supply chain in Burkina Faso and identifying gaps and barriers to the adequate delivery of vaccines in Boussouma, a municipality in the Center-North region where indigenous chicken farming contributes significantly to household income, food security, and livelihoods. Methods: The study involved a survey of 483 households (453 men, 30 women) raising indigenous chickens; informal interviews with eight key actors in the poultry vaccine supply chain from the central veterinary services (Ouagadougou) to the field (Boussouma); and eight focus group discussions separated by gender in four villages (30 men and 32 women). Results: The findings revealed that ND vaccines are imported, and in-country quality control of vaccines is limited. Maintaining a reliable cold chain poses major challenges at both the central and regional level. Animal health workers face challenges such as long travel distances and cold chain failures due to poorly maintained refrigerators and power outages. There are not enough community animal health workers to provide adequate vaccination coverage in villages. Although the majority (80%) of chicken farmers say that they vaccinate, there are no records available to verify this. For small-scale chicken producers wishing to vaccinate their birds at a time of their own choosing, the packaging of vaccines in 1000, 500 or 100-dose vials is perceived as a barrier. Year round strategic vaccination campaigns facilitate the efficient use of large-dose vials and are more likely to ensure adequate vaccine storage in the field. Conclusions: The challenges identified are undermining the success of vaccination efforts. The significant gaps observed in the ND vaccine supply chain highlight the need for improvements to ensure vaccine availability and quality in rural areas.