Optimal vaccine storage conditions – for the health of every child
EU and UNICEF donate valuable immunization equipment
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PODGORICA, 1 March 2024 – The Primary Healthcare Centre of the Capital City is now richer by 11 refrigerators for vaccine storage, voltage stabilizers, two high-capacity power generators and a refrigerated vehicle for safe vaccine distribution in the Podgorica area. The equipment was donated by the EU in cooperation with UNICEF.
EU Ambassador to Montenegro Oana Cristina Popa, UNICEF Representative to Montenegro Juan Santander, Minister of Health Dr Vojislav Simun and acting director of the Primary Healthcare Centre of the Capital City Dr Dragana Durkovic visited the Childhood Health Counselling Centre and immunization clinics in Pobrezje, Podgorica.
UNICEF Representative to Montenegro Juan Santander emphasized that the successful vaccination of all children in Montenegro is one of UNICEF’s main priorities in Montenegro. Therefore, it is essential to ensure the optimal conditions for vaccine storage, which this donation provides.
“In a situation where measles outbreaks are recorded in all neighbouring countries, UNICEF Montenegro remains committed to supporting the government, national partners and parents in strengthening routine immunization. Vaccination is the best possible protection and the only way for Montenegro to prevent major outbreaks of long-forgotten infectious diseases and their devastating consequences. However, the time is running out, which is why UNICEF continues to advocate for further strengthening of cooperation between leaders of relevant sectors, parents and civil society to build trust in vaccines and protect the health of all children in Montenegro,” Santander said.
Ambassador Popa said that this donation is part of the comprehensive EU assistance to Montenegro in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The worst part of the COVID-19 pandemic may be behind us, but we cannot afford to relax, and we must continue to build health resilience. Vaccination is more important than ever, especially in countries such as Montenegro, which are experiencing a decrease in the coverage of routine immunization of children. Together with our partners from the government and UNICEF, we will not allow long-eradicated diseases to return.
Minister Simun said that the goal of the initiative, including the donations, was a proper response by the national healthcare system to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on children, hard-to-reach populations and populations at particular risk of infection and development of severe clinical conditions. In addition, the initiative aimed to improve crisis communication and community engagement.
At the same time, routine immunizations were also the focus of the initiative, considering that Montenegro has been experiencing declining rates of routine immunization of children of all ages in recent years, with the most pronounced problem being immunization with the first dose of the vaccine against measles, rubella and mumps in the second year of life.
He thanked the EU Delegation and UNICEF for their continuous support to the healthcare system. He emphasized that, thanks to the donated equipment, the system of vaccine storage, distribution and administration at all levels of the cold chain in healthcare institutions has been significantly improved.
Dr Dragana Durkovic highlighted that the donated devices and equipment have significantly contributed to enhancing the cold chain, improving the conditions for vaccine storage in the Primary Healthcare Centre, and their faster and more efficient distribution.
The donations constitute part of the project titled “Strengthening the health system’s resilience and response to the COVID-19 pandemic and epidemiological risk”, funded by the European Union Delegation in Montenegro and implemented by UNICEF in partnership with the Ministry of Health of Montenegro, the Institute of Public Health, primary healthcare centres and the NGO “Parents”.
In addition to the donations, the Montenegrin healthcare system has been strengthened by improving knowledge, skills, and standards of good clinical practice.