ISLAMABAD The Government of Japan handed over cold chain optimization equipment worth $6.59 million procured through the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for enhancing national capacity to store COVID-19 vaccines.
Parliamentary Secretary on Health Dr Nausheen Hamid received the cold chain equipment from the Ambassador of Japan, Matsuda Kuninori, in presence of the UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, Aida Girma, at a ceremony held in the National Emergency Operation Centre, Expanded Programme for Immunization (EPI).
“We greatly value the significant contributions made by Japan during the last 70 years of its diplomatic relations with Pakistan,” said Dr Nausheen Hamid. “Over the years, our two countries have partnered in various sectors including health, education, power and many other. I affirm our strong desire to further deepen and broaden our bilateral ties with Japan.”
She said the Expanded Programme for Immunization in Pakistan has a strong cold chain system considered the backbone of the programme as it handles and stores massive quantities of vaccines.
“It is, however, important to know that the cold chain system can be risky in countries which have extreme temperatures and the power supply is unreliable. I am grateful to the Government of Japan for providing this cold chain optimization equipment for vaccine storage and ensuring quality check as it would definitely strengthen our existing system,” she added.
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The equipment procured through funds from Japan includes power generators, voltage regulators and temperature monitoring devices which will enhance vaccine storage capacity of EPI, especially at provincial and district level. The new equipment would help to ensure optimum temperature control at storage facilities thus maintaining the efficacy of the Covid-19 vaccine.
Japanese funds will also be used for strengthening the capacity of health care staff to handle the cold chain equipment. Japan has extended a total of $23.5 million grant assistance to Pakistan for COVID19 measures including provision of hygiene items, medical equipment, and training of health care staff.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Matsuda stressed that Japan has prioritized the health sector as part of its development cooperation policy for Pakistan for decades, including Maternal & Child Health, Polio Eradication, Routine Immunization and Counter-COVID-19 measures.
He hoped to open a new area of cooperation in the future partnership between Japan and Pakistan in the health sector and suggesting on tackling diabetes. “I am looking forward to seeing a new chapter added to the friendship between Japan and Pakistan on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries next year,” the ambassador said.
As part of COVID-19 pandemic response, UNICEF has been assisting the Government of Pakistan in procuring CoVID-19 vaccines through the COVAX facility. It has also procured cold chain, laboratory and personal protective equipment and handed it over to the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination.
Aida Girma, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, said the ceremony reinforces the high-level and longstanding support of the Government of Japan to UNICEF in its efforts to procure vaccines and essential equipment for strengthening immunization services in Pakistan. She said the cold chain support equipment will help in making vaccines available to people across the country.
