Delivering critical protection
Swift vaccine distribution response for Rwanda's frontline healthcare workers
The situation
Changes in climate and globalization are dramatically increasing the risk of infectious disease outbreaks, which is evident in our recently-commissioned infectious disease report. This reality was vividly illustrated by a recent viral disease outbreak in Rwanda. In October 2024, the Ministry of Health in Rwanda declared the outbreak, marking the start of a critical race against time. The outbreak saw 27 confirmed cases and nine fatalities, underscoring the urgent need for an effective and immediate response. A non-governmental organization (NGO) in the U.S., was promptly contacted by the Rwandan President's office. The request was clear: Rwanda needed vaccine, the only one available for clinical use, to help control the outbreak and protect the lives of healthcare workers on the frontlines.
A large batch of these vaccines was stationed in Rome, Italy. The urgency of the situation demanded a swift and seamless logistical operation to transport the vaccines from Rome to Kigali, Rwanda. The NGO and manufacturer, along with World Courier had to overcome significant logistical challenges to deliver the vaccines on time and under the strictest conditions to maintain its efficacy. The vaccines required deep freezing at -60ºC for the entirety of their journey to ensure their potency.
The solution
We immediately sprang into action, leveraging our extensive experience and expertise in specialty pharmaceutical logistics. The mission was clear: ensure the vaccines reached Kigali as swiftly and safely as possible.
On September 30, the manufacturer informed us of the urgent need to ship the Marburg vaccine to Rwanda. With lives on the line, the initial communication emphasized the need for a faster transportation plan than the standard three-to-five-day window. Every minute counted in this high-stakes scenario.
Our team began by gathering all necessary information, including details about the agent at Kigali airport, required documents, flight availability, and transit times. Just two days later on October 2, a robust logistics plan was in place and the shipping documents were prepared for confirmation. The first shipment was collected on October 3 and booked on flights from Rome to Kigali, with a transit time ensuring arrival by October 5.
Upon arrival at Kigali airport, the vaccines were promptly received by the local consignee. The urgency and sensitivity of the shipment saw the consignee himself at the airport to facilitate the final delivery to his laboratory. Merely a week after, on October 7, healthcare professionals in Rwanda began receiving the vaccines, providing them with the necessary protection to continue their vital work in combating the outbreak.
A second shipment followed a similar process, collected on October 9 and arriving in Kigali on October 12. This consistent and reliable delivery highlighted World Courier's ability to handle complex and urgent pharmaceutical logistics, even under the pressure of navigating complex multi-country customs challenges.
Extending the response: shipment to the U.S.
As the situation in Rwanda was being addressed, another urgent request emerged from the U.S. On October 11, the manufacturer was informed of the need to urgently ship another batch of vaccines to the U.S. for the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS), managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This move was aimed at pre-emptively addressing any potential outbreaks in the U.S. and ensuring readiness.
Our Italian office immediately took action to organize the shipment, though there were several logistical challenges, including incomplete information about the consignee and Importer of Record (IoR). The initial plan was to ship the vaccines from Rome to Memphis, Tennessee, but due to logistical constraints, the routing was re-evaluated.
On October 14, the Italian office collected the vaccines from the manufacturing site in Rome. Despite incomplete consignee information, the team proceeded to ensure the vaccines were ready for export. Intense communication between the Italian and U.S. teams, as well as with the NGO, helped resolve issues related to customs clearance and shipment routing.
World Courier's expertise proved invaluable in this situation. The complexity of customs regulations posed a significant risk of stalling the shipment due to incomplete customs documentation. To overcome this, our brokerage team swiftly acquired power of attorney (PoA), enabling them to act as the Importer of Record (IoR). This rapid problem-solving ensured that all necessary documentation was completed accurately and submitted on time, avoiding potential delays.
The outcome
Through our joint concerted efforts, the vaccines were delivered to Rwanda swiftly and safely. The operation underscored our unparalleled expertise in pharmaceutical logistics and illustrated the critical role of advanced planning and coordination in ensuring the success of such high-stakes projects.
The timely delivery of the vaccines provided a crucial lifeline to healthcare professionals in Rwanda, enabling them to continue their work on the frontlines with the necessary protection. In the U.S., the proactive shipment to the SNS ensured preparedness for any potential outbreak, highlighting the importance of resilient and responsive medical supply chains.
Our commitment to reaching underserved populations and providing equitable access to essential vaccines and treatments is crucial in the global fight against infectious diseases. The rapid response to the virus outbreak in Rwanda and pre-emptive action in the U.S. showcased our exceptional capabilities in handling urgent and complex pharmaceutical logistics. By leveraging stringent planning and global collaboration, we played a vital role in supporting public health efforts and safeguarding lives.
For more information on how World Courier can support your pharmaceutical logistics needs, contact us today.