Delta deploys solar refrigerators for storage of COVID-19 vaccines

Delta State Government has deployed solar refrigerators to primary healthcare centres across the state for storage of COVID-19 and children vaccines through a Lagos-based firm, Koolboks Limited.

Customer Relationships Manager of the company, Esther Alonge, who spoke with journalists in Asaba, yesterday, said the deployment was to enable the state to overcome the challenge of vaccines storage, especially in the rural areas due to poor electricity.

She explained that the solar refrigerators have the capacity to cool vaccines 24 hours daily with capacity to power a section of the health facility.

“With the COVID-19 pandemic, everybody needs to be vaccinated. So, we are deploying freezers capable of storing the vaccines even without electricity.

“That is why we had a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Delta State Government for the medication of those who have been infested with COVID-19 and to increase immunisation of millions of children below five years of age,” she said.

Alonge expressed happiness for the partnership, as it would provide opportunity for the firm to offer solution and access to vaccination with or without electricity.

She said a pilot scheme was conducted for about six months to test-run the effectiveness of Koolboks to keep the vaccines in the right temperature for usage before its endorsement.

Director-General of Delta State Contributory Healthcare Scheme, Dr. Ben Nkechika, said the scheme was another public private partnership (PPP) model geared towards effective healthcare delivery in the state.

Nkechika said besides being the supplier, the firm would be responsible for its maintenance, monitoring and troubleshooting.