GAMBIA—The United Nations Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF), with support from the government of Japan through its Emergency Grant Aid, has handed over cold chain supplies worth over US$1.5 million to strengthen the immunization services of the Gambia.
The donated supplies include 17 specialized cold chain vehicles, 50 motorbikes, 130 cold boxes, and 49 vaccine freezers.
These cold chain systems are expected to enhance the safe and effective storage and management of vaccines throughout the country, as well as improve the mobility of vaccination teams. This will contribute to sustaining immunization rates among priority populations.
The supplies are part of a larger US$2.5 million facilitation from Japan’s Emergency Grant Aid, implemented by UNICEF to strengthen The Gambia’s health system and COVID-19 response.
Mr. Gordon Jonathan Lewis, Country Representative of UNICEF Gambia Office, and H.E. Mr. Izawa Osamu, Ambassador of Japan in The Gambia, presented the cold chain systems. They were received by Hon Dr. Ahmadou Lamin Samateh, Minister of Health.
These cold chain systems will significantly expand access to immunization services and provide vaccine storage facilities in 49 health facilities across the country.
Mr. Gordon Jonathan Lewis, Country Representative of UNICEF Gambia Office, and H.E. Mr. Izawa Osamu, Ambassador of Japan in The Gambia, presented the cold chain systems that were received by Hon Dr. Ahmadou Lamin Samateh, Minister of Health.
The cold chain systems will significantly expand access to immunization services and make vaccine storage facilities available in 49 health facilities across the country.
Twenty-one of these 49 health facilities will be having immunization cold chain equipment for the first time.
The donation is timely as the cold chain systems have remote temperature monitoring controls to ensure vaccines are monitored in real-time and remain stored within the recommended temperature.
Additionally, all vaccine fridges come with solar panels, making them more reliable and environmentally sustainable.
Dr. Ahmadou Lamin Samateh on the occasion said, “These supplies represent an important investment in national immunization services in The Gambia.”
He also added, “The vehicles and other materials will help to improve access to immunization services by enhancing the mobility of vaccinators and safe vaccine storage. The Ministry of Health is grateful to the Government of Japan and UNICEF for the strong partnership in strengthening our health system.”
H.E. Osamu Izawa during the delivery of his speech, said, “The Government of Japan recognizes the importance of investing in health for sustainable development.”
Gordon Jonathan Lewis, the UNICEF representative to the Gambia was keen to note that every child has the right to be vaccinated and protected from diseases.
Mr. Gordon Jonathan Lewis stated, “We are convinced that these supplies, coupled with other critical investments made by UNICEF and partners during the COVID-19 pandemic, will help The Gambia emerge from the pandemic with a stronger and more responsive health system.”
With the funds provided by Japan, UNICEF also supported two nationwide COVID-19 immunization campaigns in September 2022 and March 2023, resulting in the vaccination of tens of thousands of people and contributing to an increase in the vaccination rate among the total population to over 21%.
Similarly, handwashing stations have been installed in 25 health facilities across The Gambia as part of infection prevention and control measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. This initiative is facilitated by Japan and UNICEF.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) report on National Vaccine Deployment Strategy, Supply Chain & Communication, immunization is one of the most impactful and cost-effective public health interventions available. It prevents over 4 million deaths annually.
In addition to providing protection from preventable diseases, immunization also connects children and families with health systems, offering an avenue for the delivery of other essential health services and laying the foundation for primary healthcare.
The 2022 report also highlights that immunization has a direct impact on the health of populations and brings added value by reducing the burden of disease on individuals, families, and communities.
The return on investment for immunization has been estimated at US$44 for every dollar invested, including broader social and economic benefits.
However, UNICEF’s recent 2023 report, “The State of the World’s Children,” demonstrates how immunization rates have declined to their lowest levels in three decades.
Simultaneously, nearly 67 million children worldwide missed out on routine vaccines that protect them from deadly diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The UNICEF report reveals that the story of unvaccinated children is one of inequity, poverty, and underserved communities.
In the African context, approximately 1 in 5 African children do not receive all the necessary and basic vaccines.
As a result, more than 30 million children under five still suffer from vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) every year in Africa.
Among them, over half a million children die from VPDs annually, accounting for approximately 58% of global VPD-related deaths.
The Addis Declaration on Immunization (ADI) emphasizes that strategic investments to strengthen health systems are crucial to supporting robust immunization programs that can reach everyone in Africa with vaccines.
The ADI platform aims to expand access to vaccines as a vital component in improving child health and survival, while also laying the foundation for countries to provide essential health services to every person for their well-being and development.
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