Acquire And Install Solar-powered Refrigerators For Vaccine Storage In 177 Primary Healthcare Centres

In January 2021, ahead of the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines, the Ekiti State Government acquired 187 solar-powered cold chain refrigerators (Solar Direct Drive) for vaccine storage. This exceeded the target of 177 units, covering all 177 wards in the state with additional spares.

The refrigerators were commissioned by Governor Fayemi at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital Complex, Ado-Ekiti. Speaking at the event, the Governor explained that the Cold Chain equipment would create temperature-controlled environments to store, manage, and transport vaccines from manufacture until the moment of vaccination.

He noted that the effort would boost Cold Chain System management and facilitate uninterrupted availability and distribution of vaccines in their optimal storage temperature, enhancing immunization activities towards curbing preventable deaths. The Governor stressed the need for every child under five years and every pregnant woman to have unhindered access to immunization.

Alongside the refrigerators, the government set aside N300 million for the State's Basic Health Care Provision Fund to ensure the sustainability of immunization and primary healthcare services across all 177 wards.