By Staff Reporter
Minister of Health, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda has symbolically received a donation of over 3,000 bicycles and 2 Toyota Prado vehicles from GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance through UNICEF, amounting to approximately 1.2 billion Malawi Kwacha for the national immunization program at the Ministry’s headquarters in Lilongwe today.
Kandodo commended UNICEF and GAVI, for the support they have been rendering to the Ministry of Health.
“We want to sincerely express gratitude to UNICEF and GAVI for this timely donation. As you are aware, we have been conducting numerous campaigns, especially on immunization for our children, such as Polio and cholera. The bicycles will help our health surveillance assistants (HSAs) reach the hardest areas, as mobility has been a challenge since most of them travel on foot,” Kandodo explained.
She continued, saying that the vehicles will aid directors in managing and coordinating campaigns, as well as transporting vaccines from one region to another.
Kandodo further commended HSAs for the tremendous job they are doing in serving fellow Malawians.
Speaking at the ceremony, GAVI Senior Country Manager, Jonna Jeurlink, said the delivery of vehicles and bicycles is not just a smart component but also a crucial one, as it empowers and enables those reaching the hardest-to-reach areas to vaccinate children.
UNICEF Country Representative, Shadrack Omol, also acknowledged the leadership of the Ministry of Health for its determination to improve the lives of every child and their family in Malawi, identifying solutions to the challenges faced by health workers as they serve Malawians.
“Our successful collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Gavi will guarantee that every child in Malawi receives life-saving vaccines and access to essential health services, aiming to foster a Malawi where every child can thrive and realize their maximum potential,” said Omol.
