The Ministry of Health has taken delivery of sixteen portable ultra-modern cold chain freezers to help in the storage of vaccines.
The donation comes at a time when the country will be taking delivery of 1.2 million Pfizer vaccines through the Covax facility next month. Another 17 million of Johnson and Johnson are also expected in the country at the same time.
The coming of the vaccines next month will boost the country’s covid immunisation drive which has stalled for 8 weeks.
Speaking during the donation of the cold chain freezers in Accra, the Africa Special Project Manager of the United Parcel Services, UPS, Bassey Anari advised Ghanaians who are yet to be vaccinated to do so when the country starts producing its own vaccines.
He said the sixteen portable ultra cold chain freezers will also help the country in its preparation towards producing its own vaccines.
“It is an honour for United Parcel Services to give a little to Ghana in respect of freezers,” he said.
These portable ultra-cold chain freezers are to help in the storage of the vaccines which requires low temperature. He noted that it is the tradition of his outfit to help communities and people they transact business with.
“United Parcel Services (UPS), has the tradition of giving back to people they transact their business with especially as we are all going through this challenge of Covid-19.”
Mr. Anari said UPS will continue working with government till the public is safe from the pandemic.
The Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyeman Manu, who received the items on behalf of the ministry promised that the items will be put to proper use.
He said he will ensure each region receives one of the portable ultra cold chain freezers so they can store the vaccines they will be receiving.
Mr. Agyeman Manu noted that efforts are being made by government to procure more freezers by next week and is open to receive offers or donations from others.
“Probably next week, we might also see limited capacity of freezers being imported for the storage of vaccines,” he stated.
By: Yvonne Atilego.
