Zimbabwe: Unicef Hands Over Vehicles, Cold Chain Equipment to Boost Zimbabwe's Immunisation Drive

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) on Monday handed over a fleet of vehicles and cold chain equipment to the Ministry of Health and Child Care to strengthen vaccine delivery and healthcare access, particularly in remote and hard-to-reach communities.

The consignment includes more than 300 tricycles, 22 Land Cruisers, and two heavy-duty oxygen-carrying lorries. The equipment is designed to navigate difficult terrain and help health workers reach so-called "zero-dose" children, those who have never received any routine vaccines.

While Zimbabwe has achieved strong coverage for primary vaccines, with DPT3 (Diphtheria-Pertussis-Tetanus) coverage reaching approximately 95%, about 30% of children remain only partially immunised or have not completed their full vaccination schedule.

The term "zero-dose" refers to children who have never received a single dose of any major antigen, often because they live in isolated or underserved communities.

UNICEF representative Etona Eloke said the new equipment will play a critical role in improving access to essential health services.

"At the moment, Zimbabwe has made great strides, but there is still much to be done," Eloke said during the handover ceremony. "Around 30% of our children still need to become fully immunised. This material will help us reach the most remote child."

Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora described the handover as a significant step toward improving healthcare equity across the country.

"Today is about movement. Movement of vaccines, movement of oxygen and movement of health workers and most importantly, movement towards equity," Mombeshora said.

"Today, this handover is not just about vehicles and equipment. It is about access, dignity and hope. These wheels will carry vaccines, oxygen and care, but they will also carry confidence that help systems reach everywhere and everyone. Let's go out and immunise children."

The government aims to increase the number of fully immunised children from the current 70% toward universal coverage, as part of broader efforts to strengthen Zimbabwe's public health system and ensure no child is left behind.

Read the original article on New Zimbabwe.