UNICEF Donates 425 Solar Fridges For Immunisation In Imo

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has distributed 425 solar-powered refrigerators across Imo State since 2021 to strengthen immunisation efforts.

This was disclosed by UNICEF’s Vaccine Security Logistics Officer in Imo, Mr Augustine Nwabuisi, on Wednesday while addressing journalists at the close of activities marking World Immunisation Week in Owerri.

Nwabuisi revealed that the refrigerators were purchased by UNICEF and had been distributed across the 27 local government areas of the state while explaining that the refrigerators were essential for preserving the potency of vaccines.

He additionally mentioned that UNICEF has implemented an Open Logistics Information System to facilitate real-time tracking of vaccine inventory levels across Local Government Areas (LGAs), which aids in avoiding both excess and insufficient stock, while also monitoring expiration dates and temperature conditions.

Furthermore, he revealed that UNICEF has provided four high-capacity incinerators, which can operate at temperatures reaching 1,000 degrees Celsius, for the secure disposal of medical waste, including bottles and syringes.

He emphasized that this donation aligns with environmental and health safety regulations, with the objective of enhancing proper waste management practices within healthcare facilities.

“We insist on ‘do no harm’ to the vaccine, environment, and health workers by ensuring proper vaccine service delivery and waste management,” Nwabuisi said.

Also, Dr. Chibuzo Anyaehie, the State Immunisation Officer, praised UNICEF for its assistance, particularly in financing logistics for the rollout of the HPV vaccine.

She also recognized UNICEF’s contribution to the first three phases of the ‘Big Catch-up’ immunisation initiative, which significantly enhanced vaccine coverage throughout the state.

Anyaehie pointed out that UNICEF provided technical support and aided in the formulation of annual operational plans for vaccine security and distribution within the state.

She urged for the recruitment of new staff to mitigate the manpower shortage essential for effective vaccine distribution and logistics.

UNICEF Donates 425 Solar Fridges For Immunisation In Imo is first published on The Whistler Newspaper