THE Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) said it provided P260 million worth of cold chain equipment to the Department of Health (DoH) to preserve the efficacy of vaccines kept in storage.
“This cooperation aims to strengthen the Philippines’ cold chain management and logistics for an efficient vaccination system in cases of outbreaks,” JICA said in a statement.
The donation includes eight refrigerated vans, 17 delivery vans, 17 pickup trucks, 18 wing vans, 500 biothermal packaging systems and 140 ice pack freezers.
“JICA is always in solidarity with the Philippines especially in facing crises such as COVID-19. Our cold chain and logistics support in the vaccine rollout and delivery even to the remotest areas aims to ensure that no one is left behind,” JICA Chief Representative Sakamoto Takema said.
“Our lesson from COVID-19 is that safe and effective vaccinations in record time boosts the population’s resilience, and stimulates economic activities,” he added.
The equipment and vehicles will be deployed at DoH facilities nationwide.
In 2022, JICA donated an earlier batch of cold chain equipment to the Philippines.
According to the Japanese embassy in the Philippines, Japan has provided over $100 billion in COVID-19 support. These include vaccines, medicine, equipment, technical assistance, and budgetary support, among others. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson
