MONROVIA – UNICEF has donated essential cold chain equipment and accessories to the Ministry of Health to ensure the safe storage and delivery of vaccines in support of routine immunization for children and mothers.
By Edwin G. Genoway, Jr Contact: +231886458910, Email: [email protected]
The cold chain equipment and accessories are valued at over four hundred thousand United States Dollars (US$400,000).
The Ministry of Health in Liberia recently collaborated with the Center for Disease Control (CDC)-Africa for the procurement of this equipment. CDC Africa, in turn, engaged UNICEF to intervene in the procurement process.
The equipment and accessories were officially presented to the Ministry of Health on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, in Paynesville.
UNICEF Liberia officially handed over the equipment to CDC Africa for a formal presentation to the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Health.
Speaking at the ceremony, UNICEF Deputy Country Representative Amadou Cisse disclosed that the handover of the items fulfills a commitment made to the government through the Ministry of Health.
“UNICEF is always willing to support the health of children around the world, with Liberia being no exception. The equipment presented today fulfills what was requested,” said Cisse.
In his remarks, West Africa Regional Program Lead for Africa CDC, Dr. Olayinka Stephen Ilesanmi, emphasized that this gesture highlights the intensive efforts of the government and its partners towards the well-being of Liberians.
“It is important to note that CDC Africa is committed to serving the people,” added Dr. Ilesanmi.
Also speaking, Sinoe County District #2 Representative Sampson Weah commended the partners, stating that cold chain equipment and accessories have been a major challenge for Liberia, especially in rural areas.
Meanwhile, Dr. Cuallau Howe, Director of the External Aid Coordination Unit at the Ministry of Health, assured the partners that the equipment would be used for its intended purpose.
She urged members of the Ministry of Health to utilize the equipment properly and avoid using it to charge mobile phones, as it utilizes solar panels.
“Do not charge phones on it, do not store food inside, as it is not intended for that purpose,” she emphasized.
Cold chain equipment, both electrical and non-electrical, is used for storing vaccines and/or transporting them at appropriate temperatures.
