UNICEF has installed the first cold storage facilities for safe storage of vaccines

Every child should receive routine vaccinations, even in war conditions. To ensure high-quality storage of any vaccines in Ukraine, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) purchased 26 cold storage facilities, which were sent to 20 Ukrainian regions, including central state warehouses. 

The first two cold storage rooms were installed in the Lviv and Khmelnytskyi oblasts in February, which made it possible to store vaccines for almost 700 thousand children. The remaining cameras will be installed during the first half of 2023. 

“Even in the conditions of war, Ukraine did not stop the vaccination campaign for a single day. The cold chain system has proven its ability and effectiveness during attacks on critical infrastructure in the country. Therefore, it is extremely important to constantly strengthen the system so that Ukrainians have access to vaccines and are confident in their safety. I thank the partners who continue to support the healthcare system for their powerful assistance to Ukraine,” said Viktor Liashko, Minister of Health of Ukraine. 

The cold storage units have been prequalified by WHO and meet international standards for storing various vaccines at temperatures from +2 °C to +8 °C. They are also equipped with an innovative energy-saving cooling system and remote temperature monitoring.

“Our goal is to protect children in Ukraine from infectious diseases that can be prevented by vaccination. A cold chain system that meets international standards is essential for maintaining the safety and effectiveness of vaccines. Strengthening the immunization infrastructure helps to achieve high-quality storage of vaccines for Ukrainian children and women. We are grateful to the COVAX initiative for satisfying this critical request,” said Murat Sahin, head of the UNICEF representative office in Ukraine.

The purchase of refrigeration equipment was made due to generous contributions and long-term support under the COVAX initiative. Following its partnership agreements with the government, UNICEF continues to strengthen the vaccine storage infrastructure, increase staff capacity, and strengthen the effectiveness of the vaccine and cold chain management systems in Ukraine.  

In 2022, with donor support, UNICEF strengthened the national cold chain system at all levels, from national and regional warehouses to vaccination points. These measures will provide access to vaccines for more than 15 million people in 23 oblasts of Ukraine.