UNICEF and Germany delivered 653 refrigerators to support vaccination in Iraq

Baghdad, 2 June 2022- UNICEF, funded by Germany, is contributing substantive resources to support safe and reliable immunization of children and their families in Iraq, and this week handed over 653 refrigerators to be distributed in 600 health facilities across the country. This equipment will ensure the safe storage and potency of vaccines against common childhood illnesses and COVID-19.

In a joint visit to the UNICEF warehouse in Iraq, Dr. Riyadh Abdul Ameer, Director General of the Public Health Directorate in the Iraq Ministry of Health, Dr. Firas Jabar Hashim, Immunization Department Manager, and Mr. Ken Legins, UNICEF Deputy Representative a.i., jointly checked the equipment, that will allow health workers to deliver life-saving vaccines to over 1.9 million children and COVID-19 vaccine to over 10 million eligible adolescents and adults.

In coordination with health authorities, UNICEF has supported national and sub-national efforts to strengthen the cold chain, not only for routine immunization program vaccines but also COVID-19 vaccines.

In addition, the funding provided by the German Government is supporting measures addressing the impact of COVID-19 by ensuring communities have access to basic Health, WASH, Child Protection and Education services.

“Thanks to the Government of Germany, UNICEF has invested almost USD$1 million in equipment needed to ensure that vaccines are properly stored and transported until they are administered to children and their families, and to ensure access to primary healthcare services. We are very grateful to Germany for this opportunity to meet the needs of vulnerable children and women in Iraq”, said Mr Legins.

UNICEF will continue to support capacity building, procure supplies and maintain vital equipment needed for vaccination campaigns, including rehabilitation of cold rooms, refrigerators, temperature monitoring systems, and cold boxes.