The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has distributed 425 solar-powered refrigerators across Imo State since 2021 to support vaccine storage and strengthen routine immunisation services.
UNICEF’s Vaccine Security Logistics Officer in Imo, Mr. Augustine Nwabuisi, disclosed this on Wednesday in Owerri while addressing journalists at the close of activities marking World Immunisation Week.
Nwabuisi explained that the refrigerators, which maintain temperatures between +2°C and +8°C, are essential for preserving vaccine potency. The equipment has been deployed to primary healthcare centres in all 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.
He added that UNICEF operates an Open Logistics Information System to monitor vaccine stock levels in real time, helping to prevent both overstocking and understocking, while also tracking expiry dates and temperature exposure.
In a further boost to healthcare infrastructure, Nwabuisi announced that UNICEF had also donated four high-capacity incinerators, capable of burning medical waste at temperatures up to 1,000 degrees Celsius, to support safe disposal of items like used bottles and syringes.
“The aim is to ensure no harm comes to vaccines, the environment, or health workers,” he said, stressing the importance of proper waste management in maintaining health and safety standards.
He noted that UNICEF conducts monthly training and performance reviews for officers, with real-time feedback provided to local managers to improve service delivery.
Despite these investments, Nwabuisi urged the Imo State Government to provide counterpart funding, especially for staffing and optimal operation of the incinerators.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Chibuzo Anyaehie, the State Immunisation Officer, praised UNICEF for its continuous support, particularly in funding logistics for the introduction of the HPV vaccine.
She also acknowledged UNICEF’s contribution to the first three rounds of the “Big Catch-up” immunisation campaign, which significantly boosted vaccine coverage across the state.
Anyaehie further highlighted UNICEF’s role in offering technical support and helping to develop annual operational plans for vaccine security and delivery.
However, she expressed concern over the shortage of manpower, calling for the replacement of retiring staff to sustain effective vaccine distribution and logistics operations.
NAN
