The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has donated essential cold chain equipment to the Kano State Primary Healthcare Management Board to enhance immunization campaigns and child health initiatives.
The donation, presented by Rahama Rihood-Mohammed, Chief of the UNICEF Kano Field Office, includes 39 cold boxes, 1,420 vaccine carriers, 1,208 icepacks of 0.6 size, and 1,704 icepacks of 0.3 size.
“These tools are crucial for maintaining vaccines at optimal temperatures during administration to children. Proper use of this cold chain equipment will help reduce the number of unimmunized or zero-dose children, improve immunity among children, and decrease deaths from vaccine-preventable diseases,” Rihood-Mohammed stated.
The equipment will be distributed across all health facilities in the 484 wards of the 44 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Kano State. Rihood-Mohammed emphasized that this cold chain support would help address logistical challenges in vaccine distribution within the state’s healthcare system.
Previously, UNICEF had assisted the Kano State Primary Healthcare Management Board by providing walk-in cold rooms, vaccines, and Solar Direct Drive (SDD) refrigerators. Additionally, UNICEF has delivered 3.9 million doses of vaccines for the upcoming Supplemental Immunisation Plus Days Campaign, scheduled from September 28 to October 1, targeting children under five.
“UNICEF is dedicated to supporting Nigeria’s healthcare system and reducing child mortality by ensuring access to vital vaccines and healthcare services,” Rihood-Mohammed said, urging parents and caregivers to ensure their children receive polio vaccinations.
Hajiya Sa’adatu Ibrahim, Kano State Immunisation Officer, praised UNICEF and the Federal Government for their ongoing support, noting that “the fast cold chain will significantly boost immunization campaigns for polio, measles, diphtheria, hepatitis, and yellow fever.” She added, “We are committed to utilizing these crucial items to ensure a successful and seamless campaign, as the carriers and icepacks will preserve the potency of the vaccines.”
