About the Research
The Childhood Vaccine Supply Chain Vulnerability Index (CVSCVI) is being developed as part of the Master of Science (MSc) degree in Operations and Supply Chain Management at HEC Montréal. The index combines indicators across multiple dimensions of vulnerability, including manufacturing concentration, procurement flexibility, stockpile capacity, and health system resilience, into a single index. Using publicly available datasets and literature, this research evaluates vulnerability across countries and assigns risk levels.
The research is exploring how concepts from supply chain risk management and resilience can be applied to vaccine procurement and immunization systems globally. The long-term objective is to provide practical tools that strengthen vaccine supply chains worldwide and provide decision-makers with evidence that can support:
- Supplier diversification strategies
- Procurement risk assessments
- Supply chain resilience investments
- Technical assistance prioritization
- Global vaccine security planning
By transforming complex supply chain data into actionable insights, we aim to help governments and global health organizations identify vulnerabilities before disruptions become emergencies.
Nancy Ejuma
Research Activities
- Systematic review of supply chain vulnerability and resilience literature
- Development of a conceptual vulnerability framework
- Selection and evaluation of measurable indicators
- Integration of data from international and national sources
- Sensitivity and robustness testing
- Expert consultation and validation
- Preparation of peer-reviewed academic publications
Data Sources
The index draws on publicly available and institutional datasets, including WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, World Bank, UN Comtrade, and published academic literature.
Building in Public
This research follows a transparent research model. Rather than waiting until publication, we are documenting the index’s development as it evolves. Visitors can follow our methodology, review our reasoning, and observe how research decisions are made. Throughout this process, all preliminary findings and methodologies are clearly identified as research in development.
About the Author
Nancy Ejuma
MSc Candidate, Operations and Supply Chain Management, HEC Montréal
Nancy’s research focuses on supply chain vulnerability, resilience, and global public health systems. Under the guidance of her thesis supervisors, she aims to bridge academic research and practical decision-making by developing tools that support evidence-based planning for vaccine supply chains.
Academic Supervision
HEC Montréal
Citation
If referencing VaxIndex during the research phase, please use:
Nancy Ejuma. (2026). VaxIndex: Childhood Vaccine Supply Chain Vulnerability Index (CVSCVI). Research project in progress, HEC Montréal. Available at: https://vaxindex.org
Final citation guidance will be updated following thesis completion and publication.
Disclaimer
The Childhood Vaccine Supply Chain Vulnerability Index is an active research project. Methods, indicators, and findings may evolve as research progresses and additional validation is conducted.
The views expressed on this website are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of HEC Montréal, partner organizations, or future publishers.