MALAWI—The Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), with the support of the MasterCard Foundation and UNICEF, has provided the Ministry of Health with cold chain equipment worth US$150,000 to enhance immunization services in Malawi. 

The donation includes 722 vaccine carriers, 6 freezers, 10 vaccine refrigerators, 10 cold boxes, 7 solar-powered refrigerators, and various spare parts. 

This donation is part of a broader effort to enhance healthcare delivery across Africa, showcasing the critical role of regional and international organizations in supporting national health agendas.    

These resources are expected to significantly bolster the storage and distribution of vaccines across Malawi, ensuring they remain effective and safe for use. 

During the handover ceremony in Lilongwe, Deputy Minister of Health, Halima Daudi, emphasized the importance of this equipment in managing outbreaks such as measles, cholera, and polio.  

In her opening remarks, she highlighted that this equipment will play a crucial role in ensuring vaccine safe and effective storage. 

This, in turn, will lead to improved immunization coverage and the prevention of vaccine-preventable diseases. 

Daudi stated that the support from the Africa CDC has arrived at a critical time. Malawi has recently endured a series of catastrophic events, including cyclones, the Covid-19 pandemic, and outbreaks of polio and cholera, all of which have severely impacted the delivery of health services, including immunization. 

 The introduction of this new cold chain equipment is expected to mitigate these challenges, enabling the health sector to recover and strengthen its immunization efforts. 

Africa CDC Regional Director, Dr. Lul Riek, also spoke at the event, emphasizing that the donated equipment will enhance the Immunization program by increasing the storage capacity for all vaccines.  

This improvement is vital for the introduction of new vaccines, ensuring that Malawian children and communities are protected from preventable diseases.  

“Vaccines are the best way to safeguard the health of our children and communities,” Dr. Riek remarked. 

He further noted that this handover marks the first phase of Africa CDC’s commitment to Malawi. The next phase will focus on completing the vaccination of healthcare workers and vulnerable groups, building a robust workforce of community health workers, and ensuring pandemic preparedness.  

Dr. Riek expressed confidence that these efforts will significantly improve public health outcomes in Malawi. 

In addition to the physical equipment, the collaboration between Africa CDC, the MasterCard Foundation, and UNICEF represents a strategic partnership aimed at building a resilient health infrastructure in Malawi. 

This initiative underscores the importance of international support and cooperation in addressing public health challenges, particularly in regions susceptible to outbreaks and natural disasters. 

The Ministry of Health in Malawi expressed gratitude for the support, acknowledging that such partnerships are crucial for achieving sustainable health improvements. 

The donated cold chain equipment is expected to have a lasting impact on the country’s immunization program, ultimately contributing to the better health and well-being of Malawians. 

For all the latest healthcare industry news from Africa and the World, subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, and YouTube Channel, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn, and like us on Facebook