The Ministry of Health has received nine refrigerated trucks procured by UNICEF with, funding from the Government of Japan to further improve the delivery system of vaccines to all children, across Sri Lanka.
The trucks were handed over by H.E. MIZUKOSHI Hideaki, the Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, and Ms. Begoña Arellano, Acting UNICEF Representative in Sri Lanka during a ceremony held at the Ministry of Health and they were received by the Minister of Health, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Dr. Pathirana said, “I welcome the support of the Government of Japan and UNICEF to further strengthen immunization, which is a key pillar of Sri Lanka’s healthcare system. These refrigerated trucks will boost the ability of the Ministry of Health to transport vaccines in a safe and timely manner.”
The trucks are part of a total contribution of US$ 3 million from the Government of Japan that funded cold chain equipment, including large, walk-in cold rooms to store vaccines at safe temperatures, portable vaccine carriers, and temperature monitors, which have already been handed over to the Ministry of Health intermittently from 2021 to date. H.E. MIZUKOSHI Hideaki, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, said, “I am honored to announce the forthcoming handover of nine Refrigerated Trucks, a tangible symbol of Japan’s enduring commitment to Sri Lanka’s public health endeavors.
These trucks will serve as vital conduits in the seamless transportation of vaccines throughout the nation, ensuring that every community receives the necessary protection against preventable diseases.”
