On June 10th, 2021, UNICEF Belize handed over cold chain equipment to the Ministry of Health & Wellness at an official ceremony held at the National Vaccine Building in Belmopan.
Alison Parker, UNICEF Representative to Belize, delivered the equipment to Hon. Michel Chebat, Minister of Health and Wellness. The equipment includes fourteen 538 LT refrigerators that will be used to strengthening cold chain storage facilities at district levels nationwide. The new equipment will further improve vaccine management and build the national health system’s capacity to respond to future outbreaks and pandemics. The donations are a result of the partnership formalized through a rolling work plan between the Ministry of Health and Wellness and UNICEF Belize. The three-year plan outlines strategic support to be provided to address national health priorities and protect and invest sustainably in essential child health services to ensure continuation of services during the pandemic.
The Ministry of Health & Wellness is grateful for the donation that is very timely as Belize prepares to receive another shipment of vaccines shortly. Minister Chebat remarked that “We will definitely make use of these refrigerators as we prepare for another shipment of COVID19 vaccines and eventually for storage of vaccines for our children when we get there.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the most vulnerable groups, while obstructing access to education and other basic social and health services for children. According to global data, almost 3 million deaths among children under 5 years of age are preventable by vaccine. UNICEF Belize is focused on optimizing Belize’s cold chain system to improve vaccination against COVID-19 and boost universal vaccine coverage. “Immunization is one of the most successful and cost-effective public health investments we can make for future generations,” stated Representative Parker.
Minister Chebat expressed his appreciation on behalf of the Government and people of Belize for this donation. We continue to encourage persons whose phases have been called and as well those persons who are due for their second dose of vaccine to go and get vaccinated. The public is reminded that even after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, persons are to continue to follow COVID-19 guidelines and wear masks properly in public, maintain physical distancing, and wash and sanitize hands often. Please stay at home and call the Ministry’s hotline at 0-800-664-2273 for more information.
