Vodacom Limpopo handed over 201 new cold chain units valued at R2.7 million to the provincial Department of Health. This is to promote effective, safe vaccine vaccination drives in the province on Thursday at Seshego Pharmaceutical Depot.
Vodacom Group and Vodafone Foundation have donated R74 million in the procurement of cold chain equipment. Ensuring the safe delivery and administration of covid-19 vaccines and other life-saving medicine, to several countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
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The 201 cold chain units received by Limpopo province consist of five vaccine freezers, 30 ice-lined vaccine fridges, 60 cooler boxes,100 electronic temperature loggers, two remote temperature devices and four remote probes.
The equipment will be distributed to 30 sites across five district municipalities in the province, Capricorn, Mopani, Sekhukhune, Vhembe and Waterberg.
According to MEC for the Department of Health, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, cold chain equipment plays an important role in the delivery of safe, effective vaccinations.
“Vaccines need uninterrupted refrigeration to meet certain temperature requirements, from the time of manufacture to the moment of administration. If the cold chain is broken at any point in this journey, the vaccine integrity may be compromised. Which means they become potentially unsafe for immunization,” said Ramathuba.
VODACOM HANDOVER 201 COLD CHAIN
Executive Head of Limpopo Region for Vodacom, Kugan Soobramani, accelerating vaccinations is critical in saving lives during the covid-19 crisis.
“Equally important is that these vaccines are transported and stored correctly so that they remain effective. The distribution of this cold chain equipment also ensures that there is greater access to safe vaccines. Especially for those living in hard-to-reach communities in the province.
“We have seen how the extraordinary collaboration of private and public sectors has helped overcome difficulties in the past two years. This donation supports our belief in the power of partnerships to go further together for a better future.
“Looking beyond the pandemic, this cold chain equipment can help the health department with the distribution of other vaccines and medicine. Ultimately, change lives,” said Soobramani.
