FG launches cold chain equipment in Aleyita PHC
The Federal Government has launched its cold chain equipment in Aleyita Primary Health Centre in Lugbe, a satellite town in the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking during the launch of the equipment, the Executive Secretary, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Faisal Shuaibu, said that the Federal Government will continue to strengthen the Primary Health Care Centre, and improve immunization coverage in Nigeria.
While reaffirming the agency continued commitment to strengthen routine immunization in Nigeria, Shuaibu said that already, about 13,000 cold chain equipments have been rolled out across different local governments.
“We have rolled out 13,000 cold chain equipment reaching out to different Local Government in the country. This present administration is concerned about distribution of vaccines to the hard core areas in the country.
“When we told the states about getting Cold chain equipment, some were doubting us, but now it is a reality. We will continue to give our best in improving immunization coverage”, he said.
Speaking further, he said GAVI has been instrumental in strengthening Primary Health Care Centre in Nigeria.
He noted that GAVI has donated the sum of 150 Billion dollars so far in the distribution of vaccine.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Abdul Aziz Mashi, said FCT vaccines storage has improved by over 200%.
According to him, a lot need to be done to hit the 100% mark in vaccine storage.
He added that without vaccine, there will be no immunization delivery in Nigeria.
“GAVI has been supporting the country since 2012. The cold chain has been functional, and instrumental to the promotion of Universal Health coverage in the country. It has played a great role in developing the health sector.
The Chief Executive Officer of GAVI, Dr Seth Berkley, said it important to ensure that vaccine equipment work without electricity, but the use of solar power.
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“It is essential for the country to adapt new technology, and also extend the durability of the cold chain equipment. The vaccine can last for a long time, if kept in good condition.”
He further advised the Federal Government to prioritize building Primary health care centres where citizen can easily access treatment.
“It is our hope that stakeholders in the health sector will ensure that all children are vaccinated through the proper cold chain. The Primary Health care centers should also be renovated”.
