LILONGWE, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Malawi on Friday received a donation of cold chain equipment from Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) in partnership with United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to boost immunisation for children in the country.

The equipment, valued at 147,000 U.S. dollars, includes 722 vaccine carriers, six freezers, 10 vaccine refrigerators, 12 cold boxes, seven solar-powered refrigerators and spare parts.

Speaking in Lilongwe, Deputy Minister of Health Halima Daudi described the donation as timely, noting that Malawi has recently faced several natural shocks that have hindered the ministry's ability to deliver healthcare services, including immunizations. Among these challenges, she cited tropical cyclones, the COVID-19 pandemic, polio, and cholera.

The new equipment would help the ministry reach the most remote areas of Malawi in their quest for universal health coverage, she said.

Regional Coordinator at Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Lul Pout Riek said that the donation aims to assist Malawi in expanding its immunization program by improving the conservation and storage capacity of vaccines.

This support represents the first phase of Africa CDC's commitment to Malawi, with subsequent phases focusing on completing the vaccination of healthcare workers and vulnerable groups, as well as building a robust workforce of community health workers, he added. Enditem

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