Tunisia is the latest to benefit from the Saving Lives and Livelihoods (SLL) initiative, funded by the Mastercard Foundation and coordinated by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

Since its launch in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the SLL programme has supported African countries in building resilient health systems capable of preventing, detecting and responding to public health threats and epidemics. Across the continent, the initiative has strengthened immunisation systems, improved cold chain infrastructure and trained health professionals in emergency preparedness.

In Tunisia, where UNICEF led the programme's implementation, SLL has trained 117 health professionals from all 24 governorates in cold chain management and digital monitoring of vaccine storage. More than 1,032 temperature-monitoring devices, 350 coolers, 45 refrigerators and IT equipment have been delivered to 25 regional depots. Facilities in Gafsa, Gabes and Kebili are being upgraded with generators and air conditioning to safeguard vaccine quality.

Tunisia's Director General of Health, Prof. Walid Naija, said the country's COVID-19 response showed it could mobilise resources quickly, but also exposed gaps in vaccine management. He described the SLL support as a "key step in modernising our health system and in protecting the population from health threats in the long term."

Dr Wessam Maknoula, Africa CDC Regional Director for North Africa, said the programme "illustrates a shared commitment to strengthen national capacities and promote Africa Health Security and Sovereignty (AHSS)." UNICEF Representative Michel Le Pechoux explained that the investments "help ensure that every child and community can benefit from safe and effective vaccines."