Covid-19: Japanese Govt Supports Nigeria, Others With $39m Vaccine Storage Facility
The government of Japan has announced that it will provide $39m emergency funds to UNICEF for the development of vaccine cold chains in Nigeria and 31 countries in Africa and Latin America affected by COVID-19.
This would also complement the work of the COVAX Facility, an international vaccine procurement mechanism working to ensure that people in all countries have quick and equitable access to vaccines.
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According to UNICEF, the fund would aid the provision of cold chain equipment in priority storage sites based on gap analyses, to improve storage capacity for vaccines and facilitate monitoring of the vaccine potency.
It said, “This has a far-reaching impact on the overall goal of the COVID-19 prevention strategy in the country through vaccination, as well as the entire immunization program for child survival.”
UNICEF confirmed that a walk-in freezer room will be installed in each of the selected states.
“This includes solar vaccine refrigerators to be installed in 175 wards that have a gap in vaccine storage capacity.
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“Temperature monitoring devices will be installed across 18 states cold stores, and technical assistance will be provided to carry out the setting up and maintenance of the equipment and devices.
” These supplies will ensure the quality of the vaccines,” it said.
According to Representative, UNICEF Nigeria, Rushnan Murtaza, the support of the government and the people of Japan to Nigeria, is a welcome development as the country continues to grapple with the impact of COVID-19.
“These funds will allow a more effective implementation of the strategy to ensure as many Nigerians as possible receive COVID-19 vaccinations, ensuring timeliness and efficacy of the vaccines,” he said.
He affirmed that UNICEF would continue to work with the Government of Nigeria, Government of Japan and other partners to support the COVID-19 response and to deliver positive outcomes for child survival and promote equitable access to vaccines for all.
