UNICEF Turns Over PHP6-M Cold Storage For Vaccines To Cebu Capitol

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has turned over to the Cebu Provincial Government a PHP6-million cold storage facility for vaccines.

Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III said the cold storage preserves living microorganisms and bacteria, which are important to make the vaccines effective.

Davide said providing vaccines to children immediately in times of emergency will save lives.

The facility, located within the Cebu Capitol compound, was constructed by UNICEF carpenters from China in less than a week.

Department of Health (DOH) 7 Director Jaime Bernadas thanked UNICEF for the donation.

Bernadas said the facility addresses the need for adequate and appropriate handling of vaccines, including transporting them from the place where these are procured to the rural health units or other final destinations.

Vaccines must be kept under a controlled temperature to prevent destruction and to preserve its efficacy.

UNICEF country representative Bernie Bersola, in a message read by Cebu Provincial Health Office Dr. Cynthia Genesolango, said UNICEF will always be around to assist local government units (LGUs) with their health needs, especially those that concern children.

The DOH 7 has distributed ice-lined refrigerators, also for vaccine storage, to 31 LGUs in Cebu Province.(PNA) FFC/EB/EDS