From the cold chain to the chain of life: protecting every child in Guinea through vaccines
UNICEF and KSrelief strengthen cold chain to ensure vaccine availability in remote areas
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From the cold chain to the chain of life: protecting every child in Guinea through vaccines
Every vaccine is a promise of life. In Guinea, this promise is now taking on a new dimension thanks to the support of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief). With the support of this key partner, UNICEF has provided the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene with essential equipment to strengthen the cold chain and ensure children have access to quality vaccines.
The cold chain is essential to maintain the effectiveness of vaccines. Vaccines are fragile and can lose their potency if the recommended temperature is not maintained throughout transport, storage, and distribution. Without a reliable cold chain, the vaccination of every child cannot be guaranteed.
Dr Samba Diallo, who has been an Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) officer at the Cacia health centre for six years, confirms this reality: « Until recently, the cold chain was a daily struggle.»
Vaccine supply was a constant challenge, leading to delays and preventing children from completing their full vaccination schedule.
In the peaceful neighbourhood of Kolia, Mariama Bangoura, 49, recalls the challenge of getting her children vaccinated at the Cacia health centre: «Before, we used to queue for a long time, and sometimes we would leave without being able to vaccinate our children because vaccines were not available.»
Thanks to KSrelief’s support, a decisive change has taken place. UNICEF was able to provide the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene with equipment to strengthen the cold chain and ensure children's access to quality vaccines. A total of 37 solar refrigerators, 180 coolers or insulated boxes and 800 vaccine carriers were deployed in 37 health facilities across the country. This new logistics system transformed storage capacity, ensured better storage conditions, made vaccines available and brought vaccines closer to children and families, even in the most remote areas.
Dr Samba Diallo states with conviction: « Our work has been transformed. »
M'Ballou Souaré, section head of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation at the Mankepas health centre, notes this development with pride: « Parents trust us when they come here to the health centre. As a mother, I understand how important children's health is. It is an honour to help them. »
For families, the impact is just as tangible. Mabinty, 20, explains: « It's reassuring to know that my children have easy access to vaccines. I am proud to be able to protect their health from the first months of their lives.
In the Kindia region, three-month-old Fatoumata received her routine vaccinations at the Mankepas Health Centre. Her mother, Kadiatou Sylla, recounts with emotion: « I brought my daughter to the health centre to be vaccinated. Vaccination is essential: it protects my child from disease and gives her the chance to grow up healthy.»
This milestone reflects a major step forward in improving access to vaccines, made possible by a strengthened cold chain.
A real revolution has taken place in the community. Dr Samba Diallo confirms: «Thanks to solar-powered coolers and refrigerators, vaccines are now stored in our health centre. This allows us to better serve the community and ensure that every child has the chance to be protected.»
The results are significant: Penta3 vaccination coverage has increased from 47% in 2016 to 63% in 2024 (WUENIC, 2024). During the last polio campaign in March, 5,093,265 million children were vaccinated, far exceeding the initial target of 4,623,794. In addition, 3,770,529 children aged 0-59 months out of 3,705,438 targeted were vaccinated against measles.
Today, thanks to the work of health workers and the crucial support of partners such as KSrelief, every child in Guinea has a better chance of being vaccinated, protected and growing up healthy. Every vaccine administered becomes a shield, a promise for the future.
