The Government is grateful to GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance , UNICEF and World Health Organization for the delivery of the much needed vital equipment that will be used to support the country’s cold chain rehabilitation plan in the 22 provinces in country.
Minister for Health and HIV/AIDS, Hon. Jelta Wong expressed his gratitude on behalf of government , during the handover of vaccine refrigerators and cold chain equipment to the Department of Health today. “The delivery of this equipment is a huge step that will help us elevate the cold chain systems in PNG, so our vaccines are managed effectively and efficiently and are available at the door steps to the people, particularly in rural communities where power supply is often unreliable.
“This includes 322 vaccine fridges, 224 which we are taking delivery of now, and the remaining 98 that will arrive in July, in addition to the 520 temperature monitoring devices and sets, that will be used to rehabilitate the
Minister for Health & HIV/AIDS, Jelta Wong, declares the official handover of the vaccine refrigerators to the Department of Health, as representatives from UNICEF, WHO and Steamships East West Transport witness the ceremony, this afternoon
country’s cold chain system in the provinces, Mr Wong said. Mr Wong says the government continues to prioritise investment in the health and development of every child in Papua New Guinea, and ensures they receive the life saving vaccines that will protect them against childhood diseases . “This cold chain works really well for Papua New Guinea . It will hold the COVID-19 vaccines, as well as other vaccines that we use in Papua New Guinea for vaccination of children as well as adults.
“This is a unique opportunity that the National Department of Health will take lead and ownership in strengthening our routined immunization program and increase immunization coverage in PNG.” Mr Wong further thanked GAVI , UNICEF, WHO and other donors, for their generous support and commitment in making sure that the people of PNG receive timely vaccinations and quality immunization services through effective cold chain systems.
“ I also thank our technical partners from UNICEF, WHO, for your continuous effort in supporting the National
UNICEF technical official explains the storage compartment of the vaccine refrigerator.
Department Health by providing technical support and ensuring that our cold chain systems are maintained. “Without our partners we wouldn’t get this far,” Mr Wong added. The handover ceremony was held at Steamships’ East West Transport premises along Napa Napa road this afternoon. East West Transport is the logistics partner in the delivery of the cold chain equipment in the country.