A Robust Optimization Approach to a Real Humanitarian Cold Supply Chain Planning on the COVID-19 crisis

Abstract: In this study, a vaccine supply chain model is developed considering the humanitarian aspects under uncertain conditions in Iran. There are three main components to supply the required vaccines for vaccination centers that can be designed and managed within three echelons: suppliers, distribution centers, and vaccination centers. Iran's Ministry of Health and Medical (IMHM), Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS), and private sector companies play the role of suppliers in the model. A robust optimization approach is employed to address real-world uncertainty and find a solution dealing with all uncertain data possibilities and supply chain equity. To this aim, the actual COVID-19 data of Iran is gathered, including data on five different types of vaccines used in Iran. Then, it is investigated how vaccination programs can be accomplished more efficiently by considering priority issues, transportation, holding costs, and deprivation costs in Tehran, Iran's largest city and one of the most populous cities globally. Next, a set of sensitivity analyses are conducted, assessing the variation of deprivation costs for different problem instances and the budgets assigned to each supplier. One of the critical assumptions in this research is prioritizing older-aged groups over younger-aged ones into account for receiving the vaccine.