Uganda strengthens immunization program with new cold chain equipment

Government and UNICEF partner to ensure vaccine potency

Edmond Mwebembezi
Flagging off equipment
UNICEF/UNI675005/Wamala
06 November 2024

In a significant stride to strengthen Uganda’s immunization program, the Ministry of Health, in partnership with UNICEF, the World Bank, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, flagged off 776 cold chain equipment for use at health centres across Uganda. The equipment which includes 556 solar refrigerators and 222 electric refrigerators, will significantly enhance the country’s cold chain capacity, ensuring the effectiveness of vaccines through proper storage and safe transportation, reaching even the remotest corners of the country.

This strategic deployment will strengthen the country’s immunization delivery system, an essential part of Uganda’s primary health system, enabling healthcare providers to administer vaccines effectively and efficiently.

Speaking at the event, the Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary, Dr. Diana Atwine, emphasized the importance of immunization in safeguarding public health to combat vaccine preventable diseases.

“These items are crucial in addressing the challenge of limited storage capacity and the unstable power supply, that have affected our vaccines in rural areas from time to time,” she mentioned.

Dr. Atwine highlighted the government’s commitment to expanding immunization coverage and ensuring equitable access to life-saving vaccines for all children.

The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health Dr. Diana Atwine makes her remarks during the flag off of the third Phase of Cold Chain Equipment Optimization Program (CCEOP III).
UNICEF/UNI675003/Wamala
The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health Dr. Diana Atwine makes her remarks during the flag off of the third Phase of Cold Chain Equipment Optimization Program (CCEOP III).
(L-R) The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health Dr. Diana Atwine, UNICEF Representative Dr. Robin Nandy and Director General Health Services Dr. Henry G. Mwebesa at the flag off the third Phase of Cold Chain Equipment Optimization Program (CCEOP III).
UNICEF/UNI674982/Wamala
(L-R) The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health Dr. Diana Atwine, UNICEF Representative Dr. Robin Nandy and Director General Health Services Dr. Henry G. Mwebesa at the flag off the third Phase of Cold Chain Equipment Optimization Program (CCEOP III).

Dr. Robin Nandy, UNICEF Representative to Uganda, expressed his gratitude to Gavi for their continued support and acknowledged the tireless efforts of healthcare workers in ensuring the success of the immunization program in Uganda. He underscored the role of UNICEF in providing technical and logistical support, as well as in procuring essential health supplies.

“Vaccines are one of the greatest public health achievements of our time,” Dr. Nandy said. “By investing in strong cold chain infrastructure, we can ensure that every child, regardless of their location, has the opportunity to receive life-saving vaccines.”

“UNICEF remains committed to working closely with the Ministry of Health, Gavi, and other partners to strengthen Uganda’s immunization program,” he underscored.

By investing in robust cold chain infrastructure and ensuring the timely delivery of vaccines, Uganda can further reduce the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases, further enhance its primary health care system, and improve the health and well-being of its population.