July 22, Colombo (LNW): The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has donated nine refrigerated trucks to Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Health, aiming to boost the vaccine delivery system for children nationwide.
These vehicles were acquired by UNICEF with financial support from the Japanese Government.
During a ceremony at the Ministry of Health, the trucks were presented by Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Mizukoshi Hideaki, and Ms. Begoña Arellano, Acting UNICEF Representative in Sri Lanka, and were received by Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana.
UNICEF stated that the trucks are part of a broader aid package valued at USD 3 million from Japan.
This contribution includes cold chain equipment such as large walk-in cold rooms for vaccine storage, portable carriers, and temperature monitors, which have been delivered to the Ministry of Health intermittently since 2021.
The new trucks will enhance the movement of vaccines from central to regional storage facilities and then to health centres.
Meanwhile, vaccine carriers and cold boxes have already been distributed to Medical Officers of Health and hospitals.
Japan’s ongoing support has been crucial in helping UNICEF and the Ministry of Health meet both immediate and long-term health needs of children in Sri Lanka.
