UNICEF installs first walk-in cold rooms for safe vaccine storage [EN/UK] - Ukraine | ReliefWeb

2023-04-06 07:02:35 By : Ms. Ann Shen

KYIV, 1 March 2023 – All children should receive routine vaccinations. To ensure the storage quality of all vaccines across Ukraine, UNICEF has procured 26 walk-in cold rooms for 20 oblasts across Ukraine, including at the government’s central stores. In February, the first two walk-in cold rooms were installed in Lvivska and Khmelnytska oblasts, enabling the storage of vaccines for nearly 700,000 children. The remaining cold rooms will be installed in the first 6 months of 2023

“Our aim is to protect children in Ukraine from vaccine-preventable communicable diseases. A cold chain system adhering to global standards is essential to keep vaccines safe and effective. Strengthening immunization infrastructure helps ensure the quality of vaccines stored for children and women in Ukraine. We are grateful to the COVAX initiative for supporting this critical requirement in the immunization process,” said UNICEF Ukraine Representative Murat Sahin. Haier Biomedical

These refrigerating chambers are prequalified by WHO and conform to global standards for the storage of various vaccines at temperatures from +2°C to +8°C. They are also equipped with innovative energy-saving refrigeration and remote temperature monitoring systems.

"Even during the war, Ukraine hasn't stopped the vaccination campaign for a single day. The cold chain system proved its capability and effectiveness during the attacks on the country's critical infrastructure. This is why it is crucial to constantly strengthen the system so that Ukrainians have access to vaccines and are confident in their safety. I am grateful to the partners who continue supporting the healthcare system and provide their powerful assistance to Ukraine," says Minister of Health of Ukraine Viktor Liashko.

The walk-in cold rooms were provided thanks to generous contributions and continued support under the auspices of the COVAX initiative. UNICEF, in fulfillment of its mandate and in partnership with the government, has been supporting cold chain infrastructure, the capacity building of the staff, and effective vaccine and cold chain management systems in Ukraine.

In 2022, UNICEF with the support of different donors strengthened the national cold chain system at all levels from national and regional stores to vaccination points: These interventions will bring access to vaccines for more than 15 million people in 23 oblasts in Ukraine.

Pharmacy Vaccine Fridge Damian Rance Chief Advocacy and Communications UNICEF Ukraine Email: drance@unicef.org