Optimising vaccine distribution networks for developing countries

Abstract

This research intends to generate a strategy for efficient vaccine distribution networks in emerging countries considering contemporary features of the multi-tier vaccine distribution network. The vaccine is a critical commodity for enhancing the public’s health, especially in emerging countries. However, vaccines’ efficient and effective distribution operations are difficult to achieve in emerging countries due to significant challenges and limitations, especially in budget and logistics infrastructure. The tight supply capacity intensifies the importance of adequately generating the proper strategy. The main goal is obtained through two strategies investigated through three mathematical models and solution generation methods. The proposed models and solution generation method are implemented in a real-world case of the COVID-19 mass vaccination program in Indonesia (2020-2021).

The first study proposes a flexible capacity-sharing mechanism using a backup transhipment hub. The model considers the deterministic situation, product deterioration, supply cycle, waste, equity and limited supply factors in the supply chain. A Learning-based Variable Neighborhood Search (LVNS) matheuristic algorithm is proposed to solve the model. The second study 2 proposes a reconstruction of a multi-tier supply chain by implementing the hub-to-hub connection with capacity instalment. This model is developed under the setting of stochastic demand, unlimited supply, multiple supply cycles between tiers, and product deterioration. We also propose a Randomized Neighborhood-based Variable Neighborhood (RNVNS) matheuristic algorithm as a solution generation method. Lastly, the third study is extended through the third model, which deals with stochastic, supply limitation, and inequity budgets. The Sample Average Approximation algorithm is equipped with the Dynamic Transmission Model to solve the proposed model.

The backup transhipment hub strategy and the hub-to-hub connection with capacity
expansion strategy propose a different form of capacity sharing and risk pooling
strategies. Setting a backup transhipment hub may require high coordination among
the distribution network and a temporary risk pooling strategy for emergency delivery service. Meanwhile, the hub-to-hub connection with capacity improvement generates
more stable operational coordination for risk pooling and capacity sharing. It is shown that the hub-to-hub connection is supported by capacity instalment over a time period. Aside from the detailed discussion of each study, the general implications and future potential research are also presented.

Date of Award	17 Mar 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Nottingham
Supervisor	Chandra Irawan (Supervisor), Jing Dai (Supervisor) & Antony Paulraj (Supervisor)