By: Staff Writer
July 23, Colombo (LNW): The Government of Japan is continuing its support for Sri Lanka by strengthening its health programs through effective and safe immunization in collaboration with national health authorities.
This effort is part of the project titled “Strengthening Immunization Programs in Pacific Island Countries,” which UNICEF and WHO, with their expertise and proven systems, will implement in five island countries.
The Ministry of Health in Sri Lanka has received nine refrigerated trucks procured by UNICEF, funded by the Government of Japan, to enhance the vaccine delivery system for children across the country.
The trucks were handed over by H.E. MIZUKOSHI Hideaki, the Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, and Ms. Begoña Arellano, Acting UNICEF Representative in Sri Lanka, during a ceremony at the Ministry of Health. They were received by the Minister of Health, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana.
Dr. Pathirana, speaking at the handover ceremony, expressed gratitude for the support from the Government of Japan and UNICEF. He emphasized that immunization is a crucial pillar of Sri Lanka’s healthcare system and that the refrigerated trucks would significantly improve the Ministry of Health’s ability to transport vaccines safely and promptly.
The trucks are part of a larger contribution totaling US$ 3 million from the Government of Japan. This funding has also provided cold chain equipment, including large walk-in cold rooms for storing vaccines at safe temperatures, portable vaccine carriers, and temperature monitors. These items have been intermittently handed over to the Ministry of Health since 2021.
MIZUKOSHI Hideaki, the Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, highlighted the significance of these refrigerated trucks as a symbol of Japan’s enduring commitment to Sri Lanka’s public health efforts. He noted that these trucks are vital for the seamless transportation of vaccines across the nation, ensuring every community receives necessary protection against preventable diseases.
The trucks will facilitate the transportation of vaccines from central to regional storehouses and onward to health facilities. Vaccine carriers and cold boxes have already been procured and distributed to Medical Officers of Health offices and hospitals.
Ms. Begoña Arellano, Acting UNICEF Representative in Sri Lanka, emphasized the importance of vaccination in protecting children from preventable diseases and ensuring their healthy lives. She noted that vaccines are temperature-sensitive and must be transported under appropriate conditions.
The refrigerated trucks will help ensure that every child in Sri Lanka receives the right vaccine at the right time. She also acknowledged the long-standing support of the Government of Japan and the collaboration with the Ministry of Health in improving the health of children in the country.
Over the years, the Government of Japan has made significant contributions to support the joint efforts of UNICEF and the Ministry of Health in addressing both the long- and short-term health needs of children in Sri Lanka.
