WHO PQS: The Yardstick for Global Vaccine Cold Chain Equipment

Key strengths

• Three-axis evaluation (performance, quality, safety) with transparent and reproducible criteria
• All certified equipment is listed publicly, simplifying procurement decisions
• Closed loop with Gavi co-procurement: PQS certification → Gavi purchase → global deployment

Transferability to China

For Chinese vendors going abroad, PQS is the recommended first stop. The ~18-month certification cycle pays back with eligibility in 70+ Gavi-supported countries.

Deep dive

背景

WHO PQS 起源于上世纪 80 年代的 EPI（Expanded Programme on Immunization）配套工程。它最初的目标是给联合国系统的疫苗采购建立"可信赖的设备清单"，避免低收入国家在采购时被次品淹没。

核心机制

PQS 体系通过 5 类关键指标对疫苗冷链设备进行评估：温度均匀性、保温时长、能耗、机械可靠性、冷启动恢复速度。每一类都有可复现的实验室测试方法。

对中国的启示

对中国的启示有三：第一，标准要敢于公开；第二，认证要敢于驳回；第三，认证要与采购形成闭环。