UNICEF supports the strengthening of the cold chain in Venezuela due to the arrival of vaccines through COVAX

Panama City / Caracas, September 9, 2021 – Venezuela received 693,600 vaccines against COVID-19 last Tuesday, September 7, as part of the first shipment made to the country by the COVAX Mechanism, of the total acquired of 12,068,000 doses of vaccines. This first delivery of doses consists of vaccines against COVID-19 produced by the Sinovac Biotech laboratory and included in the list of emergency use of the World Health Organization (WHO).

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), UNICEF and other partners have accompanied the Ministry of Popular Power for Health in the technical process of planning the introduction of the COVID-19 vaccine, which included monitoring the logistical aspects for the deployment of the vaccine and its conservation.

In coordination with health authorities, UNICEF has supported national efforts to strengthen the cold chain, and thus, store not only routine program vaccines but also COVID-19 vaccines.

Since 2019, UNICEF has invested around $ 2 million in equipment needed to ensure that vaccines are properly stored and transported until they are applied to children and mothers.

UNICEF has also received additional funding of USD $ 16.5 million to ensure that vaccines are transported and stored at the proper temperature, both COVID-19 vaccines and routine immunization for children. With these funds, UNICEF will be able to purchase humanitarian supplies and maintain vital equipment needed for vaccination campaigns, including:

• Acquisition of 9 cold rooms,
• Acquisition and installation of 100 freezers,
• Acquisition and installation of 530 solar refrigerators,
• 34 stabilizers,
• 9 power generators,
• Acquisition and installation of more than 40 continuous temperature monitoring systems,
• 550 isothermal transport boxes,
• 10,250 vaccine holders,
• 24 land vehicles for vaccination activities,
• 10 specialized vehicles for the transport of vaccines,
• 10 vehicles for the transport of dry inputs,
• 1 gandola for vaccine transport,
• 3 boats for the safe transport of vaccines in river areas, and
• 5,000 local temperature monitoring devices.

COVAX system

COVAX is a global collaborative initiative to accelerate the development and production of COVID-19 tests, treatments and vaccines; along with ensuring equitable access to all countries of the world.

The goal of the COVAX mechanism is to ensure that people from all corners of the world, regardless of income, can receive coronavirus vaccines as they become available.

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