UNICEF has purchased 114 fridges stuffed with ice for storing vaccines to the total value of over 1.5 million and shipped them to Moldova. With a storage capacity of 60 liters each, the 114 fridges bought with USAID funds can store a total of 3.4 million COVID-19 vaccine doses that need to be kept at temperatures ranging between +2 and +8 degrees Celsius, IPN reports.

In a press release, UNICEF says 22% of the fridges used now in family doctor’s centers in the Republic of Moldova are fridges of domestic use and approximately 34% of the fridges used for storing vaccines nationwide were purchased over 20 years ago and need to be replaced.

The procured fridges will be supplied to primary medical assistance centers in Moldova, including in the Transnistrian region.

“USAID mobilized almost US$7 million for responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and supplied the population of Moldova with safe and efficient vaccines. The cold storage facilities offered today through UNICEF will replace the old equipment and will enable to provide vaccines to new localities all over the Republic of Moldova,” stated USAID Moldova Mission Director Scott Hocklander. He noted that vaccination, either against COVID-19 or against common children’s diseases showed, that it is the safest and most efficient form of preventing serious diseases, saving the lives of 2-3 million children each year.

UNICEF Moldova Country Representative Maha Damaj said vaccination saves lives. It is a complex process that includes many elements and safe cold storage facilities are a ring of this chain. “This way, the vaccines are kept in optimal conditions and reach all those who need them, both grownups and children”.

The donation was made in the framework of the program “Prevention and Response to COVID-19” that is funded by USAID and is implemented by UNICEF Moldova. The project forms part of the US$3.9 million assistance provided by the Government of the U.S. through USAID to stop the spread of COVID-19 in Moldova.