Liberia Ministry of Health commissions new vaccine depot in Nimba County
The facility expands Nimba County’s cold chain capacity and is designed to keep vaccines safe and effective from storage and transportation to delivery at health facilities and communities.
LIBERIA—The Ministry of Health has commissioned a new County Level Vaccine Depot in Sanniquellie, Nimba County, to improve vaccine storage, distribution and immunization services across the county.
The facility expands Nimba County’s cold chain capacity and is designed to keep vaccines safe and effective from storage and transportation to delivery at health facilities and communities.
Strengthening the vaccine cold chain
Speaking at the dedication ceremony, Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Program Manager Dr. Adolphus T. Clarke said the depot would strengthen the ability of the Ministry of Health and the Nimba County Health Team to maintain vaccine potency throughout the supply chain.
He stressed, however, that the investment would only deliver its intended benefits if health authorities maintain the refrigeration equipment, monitor temperatures and manage vaccine supplies effectively.
“An EPI depot is only as effective as the system that surrounds it,” Clarke said, urging health workers to protect the equipment and comply with vaccine management standards.
Clarke also thanked Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and other development partners for supporting Liberia’s immunization program and efforts to expand vaccine infrastructure.
Nimba County Superintendent Kuo Miapeh Gono welcomed the new facility and pledged the county administration’s support for its maintenance.
She described the depot as an important investment in the county’s health system and the well being of its communities.
Focus on sustainable health financing
Nimba County District #2 Representative Nyahn G. Flomo also welcomed the project, describing it as a sign of the county’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery.
Flomo thanked the Government of Liberia, the Ministry of Health and development partners, particularly Gavi, for supporting the depot’s construction.
He also highlighted efforts by lawmakers to strengthen health sector oversight through the Liberia Immunization and Primary Healthcare Caucus (LIPIC).
According to Flomo, the caucus will advocate for greater accountability in health financing and more sustainable domestic funding for immunization and primary healthcare.
He also said the Legislature is considering a Public Health Insurance Bill, also known as the Liberia Health Equity Fund Bill.
The proposed legislation seeks to establish a national health insurance mechanism to expand access to affordable healthcare and reduce the burden of high out-of-pocket medical costs.
Addressing vaccine distribution challenges
Nimba County Health Officer Dr. Ponnie Robertlee Dolo said the depot would address longstanding challenges affecting vaccine storage and distribution, including limited storage capacity, transportation difficulties and unreliable power supplies.
He said the facility would help reduce vaccine stockouts and wastage while improving access to vaccines and supporting higher immunization coverage.
Representing development partners, Greg Wogbeh, Nimba County Coordinator for Jhpiego, said the organization was honored to support the Ministry of Health and County Health Team in strengthening immunization services.
He described the depot as a lifeline for vaccination efforts, noting that vaccines can only protect people when they remain safe, effective and accessible.
The dedication ceremony brought together government officials, health workers, development partners, community leaders and members of the Joint Security.
The new depot will provide additional capacity to store and distribute vaccines to health facilities throughout Nimba County.
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