November 24, 2021
By: MOHAMED M. SESAY
With strong partnership role played by UNICEF, the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has yesterday the 23rd November 2021, donated one hundred and twenty-two (122) solar refrigerators valued over one million united state dollars to the Ministry of Health and Sanitation.
The cold chain equipment is to help in the speedy routine vaccination of the covid-19 vaccines and other immunizations across eleven districts of Sierra Leone.
In his handing over statement, the Japanese Resident Representative Hitoshi Sato said he was very pleased to hand over one hundred and twenty-two boxes of solar refrigerators meant for eleven districts. He also disclosed that the total amount of the donated items worth approximately one million one hundred and fifteen thousand United State dollars which include installation and basic trainings for solar technicians at targeted districts.
Hitoshi Sato added that the main purpose of the donation is to support the government of Sierra Leone for a speedy covid-19 vaccination exercise.
He said the current vaccination rate in Sierra Leone is around 4.1% as against the total population of the country. He furthered that the rate is below the COVAX target which is 20% vaccination by the end of the year.
The Japanese Resident Representative continued that cold chain capacity has been a national crisis for the country in order for children to have routine immunization. He therefore said he is very confident that the donated cold chain equipment will contribute to strengthen the cold chain function for the whole of Sierra Leone.
He also acknowledged the dedicated effort of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation and UNICEF for their tremendous work in the health sector.
“I therefore express very best wishes to our partners of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation and UNICEF. I am pleased to officially hand over the equipment on behalf of the Japanese International Cooperation Agency”, he said.
The UNICEF Representative Suleiman Braimoh said for the past two years they have been responding to the covid-19 outbreak.
He therefore, noted that the only strong strategy to overcome the virus is through routine vaccination.
He also encouraged for carefully planned surges supported by routine service which will also help in mitigating the covid-19 pandemic.
Suleiman Braimoh therefore, lauded the Government of Japan for the timely donation adding that, the cold chain equipment will now help in the massive vaccination routine exercise across the country.
He also reiterated that the one hundred and twenty-two refrigerators are not just something that can be looked at in isolation, but rather a service that they have to appreciate the Japanese Government for.
In receipt of the donated items, the Minister of Health and Sanitation Dr. Austin Demby described the occasion as a very special day for Sierra Leone as they intend to speak for the voiceless.
He said vaccination is very paramount especially in the area of preventable diseases.
Dr. Demby reaffirmed that the country now has four different vaccines of which each has its own unique doses.
He therefore noted that the solar devices provided by the Japanese Government will be very important in creating access to the vaccines across the country.
The Health Minister concluded by assuring the Japanese Government that the donated items will reach eleven districts.
He also assured that proper monitoring will be done in ensuring that the value chain equipment is used judiciously.