2007 Health Award Laureate
PATH, Vaccine Vial Monitor
| Laureate Country: Seattle, Washington, United States |
| Project Countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cameroon, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Tanzania, Yemen, Zambia |
| Website: http://www.path.org/projects/vaccine_vial_monitor.php |
| Video: 2007Videos/path.mov |
PATH developed and introduced a heat-sensitive label for vaccine vials to make sure children receive potent immunizations.
Vaccines that prevent life-threatening childhood illnesses must be kept cool to remain effective. Vaccines may have spoiled en route, so children can unknowingly receive useless vaccines.
PATH identified technology from the food industry and worked with the manufacturer, TEMPTIME Corporation, to develop a small label for vaccine vials that changes color with heat. The HEATmarkerTM sticker can be tuned to the exact heat threshold of a vaccine, so that it changes colors when the vaccine is no longer usable. The easy-to-read stickers have become standard around the world. Over ten years, they've ensured that more than a billion children have received vaccines that save their lives.
