UNICEF Donates Fast Cold Chain Equipment to Kano
By Mustapha Salisu
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has donated Fast Cold Chain Equipment to the Kano State Government as a move to improve child immunization and strengthen healthcare delivery in the State.
The handover ceremony, held at Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital today, was led by Mr. Rahama Rihood Mohammed Farah, Chief of UNICEF Kano Field Office.
According to Mr. Rahama, the donation includes 39 cold boxes, 1,420 vaccine carriers, 1,208 Icepacks of 0.6 size and 1,704 Icepacks of 0.3 size which will be distributed to health facilities across all 484 wards in the 44 LGAs of the state, ensuring vaccines are stored at optimal temperatures.
“This equipment is vital in reducing vaccine-preventable child deaths and improving immunity across Kano. Additionally, UNICEF has provided 3.9 million doses of vaccines for the upcoming Supplemental Immunization Plus Days Campaign starting September 28th to 1st October for all the children aged under 5 years in Kano state” said Farah.
He noted that these essential tools will enable the safe storage and effective distribution of vaccines, ensuring that children in even the most remote areas of the state are protected against preventable diseases.
The UNICEF Chief however urged parents and caregivers to ensure their children are vaccinated while emphasizing the vaccine’s safety, effectiveness, and availability.
Receiving the donations on behalf of the State Government, Sa’adat Ibrahim, the State Immunization Officer for Kano expressed gratitude to UNICEF and Federal government for donating essential cold chain equipment ahead of the upcoming polio immunization campaign.
Ibrahim emphasized the importance of these items, explaining their role in maintaining vaccine potency during routine and supplementary immunization activities, including campaigns against polio, measles, diphtheria, and yellow fever.
“We cannot transport any vaccine without these carriers, ensuring heat-free and seamless campaigns,” she noted.
On his part, Dr. Abdullahi Sa’ad Ahmed, the Incident Manager of the Kano Emergency Operations Center (EOC), equally hailed UNICEF’s donation of cold chain equipment, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining vaccines at optimal temperatures.
He noted that the equipment will play a important roles in addressing reported gaps in vaccine preservation. “UNICEF’s efforts will complement and bridge these gaps, ensuring safe vaccine storage and effective immunization campaigns,” he stated.
Dr. Ahmed further expressed confidence in Kano’s ability to utilize the equipment efficiently, while reaffirming the state’s commitment to continued collaboration with UNICEF to safeguard public health.
