The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has donated N60 million, procured and installed 368 Solar Direct Drive (SDD) refrigeration systems to support mass COVID-19 vaccination in Imo.
Dr Ifeyinwa Anyanyo, a health specialist from UNICEF’s Enugu Field Office, disclosed this during the flag-off of the third phase mass COVID-19 vaccination campaign in Owerri on Thursday.
Anyanyo, who was represented by Mrs Nkem Agbata, the UNICEF Vaccine Security Logistics officer in Imo, said that the money was used to procure necessary items to support mass vaccination.
She listed the items to include canopies, chairs, tables and megaphones as well as logistics for fueling of generating sets at the 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.The health specialist said that the fund was also used for vaccine collection and distribution from state to the Local Governments, wards and vaccination sites.Other purposes for the donated fund included data allowance for vaccination teams, LGA focal persons, van rentals for sensitisation and other set-up costs.
She urged Imo residents to continue observing all COVID-19 prevention protocols adding that those who were fully vaccinated could receive booster doses if their last doses were administered at least six months ago. “UNICEF in her continuing resolve to ensure equitable provision of health services has supported the state and LGAs with the procurement and installation of 368 SSD refrigerators.
“This is to expand the state’s vaccine storage capacities as well as ensure the potency of the COVID-19 and other routine immunisation vaccines,” she said.
Earlier while performing the flag-off, the Imo Commissioner for Health, Dr Bartholomew Okorochukwu, restated Gov. Hope Uzodimma’s commitment to provision of health services for the people of the state.
Okorochukwu thanked the UNICEF, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and other support partners for their efforts at ensuring mass vaccination in the state.A highlight of the event was the distribution of the donated items to LGA social mobilisation officers. (NAN)
