Yesterday, Tuesday, March 1, 2022, the Cameroonian government received a donation of cold chain equipment from the United Parcel Service (UPS) foundation. The equipment is used for the storage and distribution of vaccines in the hinterland while maintaining them at the required temperature. "This cold chain equipment will help extend vaccines’ lifespan [from 31 days to nine months) and ultimately reduce the risks of seeing them expire,” explained Minister of Public Health (Minsanté), Manaouda Malachie, during the reception ceremony.

Last year, the country destroyed nearly 5,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccines that expired on August 23, 2021. According to the Minsanté, the equipment can later be used for sequencing, research, and sample transportation. 

During the ceremony,  the UPS Foundation representative, Bassey Anari, said that more equipment may be donated if needed.  

In the meantime, the US logistics company will offer free training to health staff on how to handle sensitive products like the Pfizer vaccine that require cold temperatures.  

The equipment is donated just days before the launch of the new intensive coronavirus vaccination campaign.  According to recent data from the Center for Coordination of Public Health Emergency Operations (CCOUSP), more than one million people were already vaccinated against Covid-19, by February 16, 2022.  

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