Ministry of Health Expands Vaccine Storage Capacity to Protect Children Across Jordan

Amman, 8 November 2026 – The Ministry of Health, in partnership with UNICEF and with support from the Government of the Republic of Korea, inaugurated two vaccine cold rooms today, adding 70 cubic metres of storage capacity to Jordan’s national immunization infrastructure. The new facilities will help preserve vaccine quality and maintain a reliable supply to protect children across all governorates.

The inauguration took place at the Sera and Vaccines Section, Communicable Diseases Directorate, Ministry of Health, in the presence of Dr. Riyadh Mohammad Al-Shayyab, Secretary General for Primary Health Care and Epidemics; Kim Pil-woo, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Jordan; and Marc Rubin, UNICEF Representative to Jordan.

Dr. Riyad Al-Shayeb, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Health for Primary Health Care and Epidemiology, said: “The inauguration of the two cold rooms represents a qualitative addition to the infrastructure of the National Immunization Programme, contributing to enhancing the efficiency of the vaccine storage system and maintaining vaccine quality and effectiveness. This is achieved by ensuring compliance with cold chain requirements at every stage of vaccine receipt, storage and distribution, until they reach beneficiaries across the Kingdom.”

Al-Shayeb added that strengthening storage capacity, vaccine preservation systems and quality monitoring is fundamental to sustaining immunization programmes and enhancing their readiness. He underscored the importance of the partnership with the Republic of Korea and UNICEF in supporting the health sector and strengthening its capacity to provide safe and effective vaccines, thereby safeguarding the achievements of the National Immunization Programme and contributing to the protection of children's and community health.

“Every child deserves access to vaccines that protect them from preventable diseases,” said Marc Rubin, UNICEF Representative to Jordan. “Jordan has made significant progress in immunization. Strengthening vaccine storage helps sustain these gains and ensure that vaccines remain effective and available when children need them. We thank the Government of the Republic of Korea and the Ministry of Health for their partnership in building a more resilient immunization system that reaches every child, particularly those most at risk of missing out.”

H.E. KIM Pil-woo, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, highlighted that the inauguration represents "an important part of Korea's broader global partnership with UNICEF under the ACT-A (Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator)." He noted that Korea had contributed USD 70 million to UNICEF's ACT-A program in 35 countries, including Jordan. He further stated that this partnership reflects Korea’s commitment to sharing its knowledge and expertise gained through its own response to the COVID-19 pandemic. "This is an expression of our solidarity with Jordan," he stressed, reaffirming Korea's commitment to "standing with Jordan on its journey toward a healthier and more resilient future."

Vaccines must be stored and transported at appropriate temperatures to remain effective. The two cold rooms strengthen this essential cold chain, helping the Ministry improve stock management, reduce the risk of supply disruptions and accommodate new vaccines within the National Immunization Programme.

The investment will support routine immunization and strengthen Jordan’s readiness to respond to disease outbreaks and public health emergencies, helping protect children and communities across the country.