A programme of technical assistance was planned to address the latter shortcoming, and during a first phase of activities, carried out in May-June 2008, the framework of a national inventory for cold chain equipment and transport facilities was set out. A data-collection instrument and related questionnaires were drafted and field tested, a small amount of sample data was collected, the format and structural outline for the inventory was designed, and a national-level team for carrying out the necessary data-collection was trained in the use of the prepared instruments. The sample data collected was then used to test and demonstrate the correct functioning of the designed inventory database, and in July 2008, the trained national team began the task of collecting and assembling the bulk of data required for the inventory from all parts of the country.