United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) has handover Fast Cold Chain Equipment to Kano State Government to boost immunization campaigns in the state.
Speaking at the handing over of the equipment at Nasarawa Hospital, Mr. Rahama Rihood Mohammed Farah Chief of UNICEF Kano Field Office said, they’re committed to supporting Nigeria’s healthcare system and reduce child mortality by ensuring access to essential vaccines and healthcare services.
“Part of this commitment, and as the world leader in the provision of vaccines,is the strengthening of cold chain and improving vaccine logistics system.
Today, UNICEF Kano Field Office is delighted to hand over Fast Cold Chain equipment to the Kano State Primary HealthCare Management Board, Mr Farah added.
He said, the Fast Cold Chain equipment would be distributed to all the health facilities in all the 484 wards in the 44 LGAs that need this equipment.
• These Fast Cold Chain equipment donated by UNICEF today comprise of
39 Cold boxes
1,420 Vaccine carriers
1,208 Icepacks of 0.6 size
1,704 Icepacks of 0.3 size
He explained that, these equipment are very critical because they ensure that vaccines are maintained at the optimal temperature and conditions while being administered to children.
The effective use of these cold chain equipment will contribute to the reduction of unimmunized or zero dose children; improve children immunity and herd immunity; and reduce vaccine preventable child deaths”
“The cold chain equipment would further bridge the gap experienced by the health facility staff in the logistics of vaccines distribution.
He noted that, UNICEF has in the past supported Kano State Primary Healthcare Management Board with walk-in cold rooms, vaccines, and Solar Direct Drive (SDD), which is powered directly by solar.
“As part of its continuing support to the Kano State Government, UNICEF has delivered a total of 3,905,100 doses of vaccines to Kano State for the upcoming Supplemental Immunization Plus Days Campaign which will be implemented from 28th September to 1st October for all the children aged under 5 years in Kano state.
He added that, this equipment donation is part of UNICEF’s continued commitment to supporting child health initiatives and boosting the state’s immunization coverage.
These essential tools will enable the safe storage and effective distribution of vaccines, ensuring that children in even the most remote areas of the state are protected against preventable diseases.
“Immunization is one of the most effective public health interventions, and with this donation, we hope to bridge gaps in access and ensure that every child in Kano State has the opportunity to be vaccinated against life-threatening diseases
UNICEF urges all parents and caregivers to bring their children to be vaccinated against Polio.
The vaccine is available, effective, and free!
Responding after receiving the equipment, Kano state Immunization officer Hajiya Sa’adatu Ibrahim commended UNICEF for the donation and promised judicial use of the items.
