KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica received two Toyota Land Cruisers with refrigeration capacity, other equipment and supplies from the Government of Japan, through UNICEF to boost the island’s vaccination and immunization programme.

The donation is part of a grant of US$1.22 million or J$190 million of cold chain equipment from the Government of Japan. The vehicles and supplies were handed over on Tuesday, December 6, on the grounds of the National Chest Hospital in St Andrew.

In making the presentation on behalf of the people and Government of Japan, Ambassador of Japan to Jamaica, Masaya Fujiwara, said, “Japan’s priority is to enhance universal healthcare, in particular, fighting infectious diseases. Even as of today, the effect of COVID-19 on daily lives, is still challenging.”

As a result of this cooperation, Jamaica now has cold chain equipment that meets World Health Organization standards for effective vaccine management.

“Jamaica’s capacity has also been strengthened for rapid deployment of vaccines for citizens islandwide,” Masaya noted.

The Government of Japan’s donation covered the total cost of all supplies, which included 80 vaccine refrigerators, 370 cold boxes of varying sizes, 585 vaccine carriers and 40 combination refrigerators and freezers, which will benefit 120 public health centres.

UNICEF Jamaica managed the procurement through its supply division in support of the global response to the pandemic.

In expressing appreciation for the donation, State Minister in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn, said that the Land Cruisers, which were fit for purpose, will greatly improve Jamaica’s capacity to rapidly deploy vaccines across the country and increase quicker access by health care workers.

“We are being strategic in thinking long-term. Public health and health facilities are evolving…we have to be proactive and put necessary measures in place,” Cuthbert-Flynn noted.

“Our healthcare team is more than delighted to receive the donation of equipment and supplies.”

She lauded the role of UNICEF in facilitating the donation, adding that it was an “important partner in all things health.”

Speaking on the partnership between Jamaica and Japan, State Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Leslie Campbell said, “Cooperation in the health sector is just one of the many fields in which Jamaica and Japan have been actively engaged.” He explained that the two countries have collaborated on “fruitful programmes and projects in sectors that span the range and gamut of the priorities of the Jamaican Government.” These included agriculture, education, energy, culture, disaster risk reduction, sport and security.

An assessment was conducted during the early stage of the pandemic to guide the procurement efforts which UNICEF led. The grant also facilitated the training of more than 100 public health staff including nurses and technicians from across the health regions as well as spare parts for the refrigerators.