Japan contributes K17.5mil towards logistics

The National National

THE Government of Japan has contributed US$5 million dollars (about K17.5 million) to the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) in PNG to strengthen the capacity of cold chain logistics in the Coronavirus (Covid-19) response, according to a statement.
It will benefit provincial health authorities and health facilities in 17 provinces through the vital cold chain logistics required to safely store and provide Covid-19 vaccines.
It will help in the:

  • PROCUREMENT, supply and installation of 172 vaccine refrigerators and four cold rooms, to scale up vaccine storage capacity in the national, provincial and health facility level stores;
  • PROCUREMENT of 30 vehicles to improve immunisation delivery through mobile outreach clinics and distribution of vaccines to communities in hard to reach areas;
  • PROVISION of six incinerators to safely treat clinical waste in health facilities; and,
  • PROVISION of two generators to ensure uninterrupted power supply needed to maintain effective vaccine temperatures at the national and provincial vaccine stores.

Japanese Ambassador to PNG Kuniyuki Nakahara said vaccination was key to preventing the spread of the Covid-19.
“This grant aid is aimed at assisting the delivery of vaccines to each and every person who wishes to get vaccinated in all corners of PNG,” Nakahara said. He said Japan would also provide vaccines to PNG through the Covax-Facility in collaboration with Unicef.