MONROVIA – UNICEF has donated essential cold chain equipment and accessories to the Ministry of Health to ensure the safe storage and delivery of vaccines to support the routine immunization of children and mothers.
By Edwin G. Genoway, Jr (231886458910) – [email protected]
The Cold Chain Equipment & Accessories are worth over four hundred thousand United States Dollars (US$400,000).
The Ministry of Health in Liberia recently engaged the Center for Disease Control (CDC)-Africa for the procurement of the equipment. The CDC Africa then engaged UNICEF to intervene in the procurement process.
The Equipment & Accessories were officially presented to the Ministry of Health on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, in Paynesville.
Officially, UNICEF Liberia turned over the equipment to the 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 turning over of the items is in fulfillment of 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 presentation today is in fulfillment of what you asked for,” he said.
For his part, West Africa Regional program lead at Africa CDC, Dr. Olayinka Stephen Ilesanmi, said the gesture highlights the intensive efforts of the government and its partners toward the wellbeing of Liberians. “It is important to note that the CDC Africa is committed to service to the people,” he added.
Also remarking, Sinoe Country District #2 Representative Sampson Weah commended the partners, saying Cold Chain Equipment & Accessories have been a major challenge for Liberia, especially in rural areas.
Meanwhile, Dr. Cuallau Howe, Director for the External Aid Coordination Unit at the Ministry of Health, assured the partners that the equipment will be used for its intended purpose. She urged the members of the Ministry of Health to utilize the equipment properly and avoid charging mobile phones on it, as it uses a solar panel. “Don’t charge phones on it, don’t store your food inside; it’s not 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.