By Daniel Siame
Lilongwe, June 7, Mana: After receiving cold chain equipment from the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) in collaboration with Unicef and Master Card Foundation, the Government of Malawi through the Ministry of Health, says it is committed to ensure that no child is left behind on immunization.
Deputy minister of Health, Halima Alima Daudi, made the statement during the handover ceremony of the cold chain equipment in Lilongwe.
She said as Malawi recently suffered from a number of catastrophic events including Cyclones, Covid-19 Pandemic, Polio and Cholera, the country`s resource basket underwent a huge set back in the delivery of health care services including immunization, therefore the support from the Africa CDC has come at the right time.
“The equipment we are receiving today will play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and effective storage of vaccines, ultimately leading to improved immunization coverage and the prevention of vaccine-preventable diseases in our country.” Daudi said.
With the procurement through Unicef and financial aid from Mastercard foundation, the Africa CDC has handed over 722 vaccine carriers, 6 freezers, 10 vaccine refrigerators, 12 cold boxes, 7 solar-powered refrigerators, and various spare parts.
Regional Director of Africa CDC, Dr. Lul Pout Riek, said the equipment will support Malawi’s expanded program on immunization by improving storage capacity of all vaccines and the introduction of new ones knowing that vaccines are the best way to protect Malawian children and communities from preventable diseases.
“This handover marks just the first phase of our commitment to Malawi. We are planning phase two that will focus on completing the vaccination of healthcare workers and vulnerable groups, building a robust workforce of community health workers.” He said.
The Cold chain equipment support by the Africa CDC will help the Ministry to reach out to the most remote areas in Malawi, overcoming power, transport and storage challenges therefore fulfilling its mandate to reach each and every child in the urban and mostly rural communities.
