MANILA, Philippines – Through UNICEF Philippines, the Japanese government donated P 36-million worth of cold chain equipment for vaccination which the Philippines received on Monday, November 15, 2021.
Among the cold chain equipment that arrived are walk-in cold rooms, freezers, solar power refrigerators, power generators, temperature monitoring equipment, replacement components, and thermal jackets.
UNICEF said that 35 provinces including “geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas in the country such as Batanes, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, disaster-prone places such as Albay and Cagayan, and the National Vaccine store” will receive the cold chain equipment as well as training on how to use and maintain them
“We are thankful to be in close cooperation once again with UNICEF for yet another invaluable mission.”
Kazuhiko Koshikawa, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines
“We hope these [pieces of] equipment will be instrumental in bringing lifesaving support to Filipino children and their families nationwide. By working together, I am certain that we can make a lasting difference in their lives,” he added.
UNICEF Philippines Representative Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov said that the donation of Japan will support filling the critical gaps in the supply/cold chain in the country. “We can improve COVID-19 vaccination roll-out and the routine immunization services with the adequate equipment and skills.”
Dendevnorov thanked the Japanese government for its “untiring efforts in promoting the health and well-being of Filipino children.”
The donation is part of the P190 million support of the Japanese government to the Philippines through UNICEF.
Source: Filipino Japanese Journal