Global Vaccine Alliance Invests in Ethiopian Cold Chain Facility

Mar 16 , 2024

An 18 million dollar investment in a cold chain facility, designed to improve vaccine storage and distribution nationwide was committed by the Global Alliance for Vaccine and Immunization (GAVI). The federal government has allocated four million dollars over two years, as a joint investment. This collaboration represents a step forward in strengthening the country's immunisation program as the new cold chain facility will ensure proper storage and distribution of vaccines, ultimately protecting the public from preventable diseases. The announcement was made following discussions between GAVI's Director of High Impact Countries Country Programmes Delivery, Tokunbo Oshin (PhD), and Semereta Sewasew, state minister for Finance. The discussions primarily focused on co-financing requirements, the implementation of the Cold Chain Equipment Optimization Platform (CCEOP), and financial accountability measures. Tokunbo highlighted Ethiopia's status as a priority country for vaccine-related support over the past two decades. He commended the adherence to co-financing obligations and its dedication to vaccine delivery and immunisation-related interventions. Semereta reaffirmed Ethiopia's commitment to meeting co-financing requirements and emphasised the government's steadfast dedication to implementing the national immunisation plan. A year ago, the Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Supply Service (EPSS) set plans to expand its cold room used for pharmaceutical storage and complete its seven-storey building, hoping to increase the storage capacity of vaccines, insulin, laboratory reagents and cancer medicines safely.