Colombo, 25, August 2021-The Ministry of Health has today received the second batch of cold chain equipment procured by UNICEF with funding from the Government of Japan to strengthen Sri Lanka’s delivery of immunization services, including against COVID-19.
The first batch of 500 vaccine carriers was handed over to the Ministry of Health in April 2021.
The second batch includes 750 vaccine carriers, 300 cold boxes, 100 Ice-Lined Refrigerators (ILRs), 145 fridge temperature monitors and Android Tablets for effective management of vaccines. These cold chain equipment are indispensable to keep vaccines at the required storage condition, including temperature, to maintain the vaccine’s quality and effectiveness.
The items were handed over today to the Honourable Minister of Health, Mr. Keheliya Rambukwella by Mr. SUGIYAMA Akira, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka and Mr. Christian Skoog, Representative, UNICEF Sri Lanka.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Honourable Minister Rambukwella said, “Immunization is a key pillar of the healthcare system in Sri Lanka to protect our people from vaccine preventable diseases. This equipment from the Government of Japan is a crucial input to strengthen the delivery of vaccinations. The Government of Japan is a long-standing partner of the people and Government of Sri Lanka and I want to acknowledge the support and collaboration over the years. I want to also recognize the crucial role of UNICEF in supporting the immunization system in Sri Lanka, including procurement of such critical supplies.”
Ambassador SUGIYAMA noted, “The Government of Japan believes that the cold chain equipment provided today will be of great help to ensure safe and prompt distribution of vaccines to the people.”