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The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has supplied 425 solar-powered refrigerators to primary healthcare centres across Imo State since 2021 in a bid to enhance immunisation services.
Speaking to journalists in Owerri on Wednesday at the conclusion of World Immunisation Week activities, Mr Augustine Nwabuisi, UNICEF’s Vaccine Security Logistics Officer in Imo, said the solar fridges were designed to maintain temperatures between +2°C and +8°C, crucial for preserving vaccine potency.
He explained that the equipment had been distributed to health centres in all 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state. In addition, UNICEF has implemented an Open Logistics Information System that allows for real-time monitoring of vaccine stocks across LGAs, reducing the risks of both overstocking and shortages. This system also tracks expiry dates and temperature fluctuations, ensuring vaccines remain effective.
Mr Nwabuisi also announced the donation of four high-capacity incinerators, each capable of reaching temperatures of up to 1,000 degrees Celsius, for the safe disposal of medical waste, including used syringes and bottles. He said these contributions were made in accordance with environmental and health safety guidelines to support better waste management in healthcare facilities.
“We insist on ‘do no harm’ to the vaccine, environment, and health workers by ensuring proper vaccine service delivery and waste management,” Nwabuisi said.
He added that UNICEF provides ongoing monthly training and performance assessments for officers, with local managers receiving instant feedback to improve service delivery.
Despite these advancements, Nwabuisi urged the Imo State government to provide counterpart funding, particularly to support human resource capacity, so that the donated incinerators can be fully utilised.
Also addressing the gathering, the State Immunisation Officer, Dr Chibuzo Anyaehie, expressed appreciation for UNICEF’s ongoing support, especially in logistics funding for the rollout of the HPV vaccine. She highlighted UNICEF’s assistance in all three phases of the “Big Catch-up” campaign, which has contributed significantly to improved vaccine coverage across the state.
Dr Anyaehie further praised UNICEF’s role in offering technical guidance and helping to formulate annual operational plans for vaccine security and delivery. However, she noted the urgent need to replace retiring staff to avoid manpower shortages that could hinder vaccine distribution and logistics.
