GTZ Equips Liberia Health Sector

The Germany Technical Corporation (GTZ) through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has presented nine Solar Plated Vaccine Freezers to the Environmental and Occupational Health Division at the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

The Medical Freezers which store medical supplies in Rural and Sub-Urban areas in the absence of  electricity include, three  72-Liters Vaccine Units, three Domestic Fridges and three Chest Freezers respectively.

Presenting the items to the Health Ministry, EPA Executive Director Madam Anyaa Vohiri, said the GTZ being the partner of the EPA in its fight to phase out all Ozone depleting substances in Liberia, donated the Medical Freezers which have zero carbon emission and zero Ozone Depleting Potential to the health sector.

Madam Vohiri extolled the GTZ for the donation and choosing Liberia as one of the countries in Africa to benefit its pilot program, to successfully eliminate Ozone Depleting Substances and address Climate Change issues through the adoption of friendly environmental technologies.

Receiving the Medical Freezers, Deputy Health Minister for Administration Vivian Cherue, thanked the EPA and GTZ for the items, describing the presentation as timely, especially for use in the Leeward Counties.

According to Deputy Minister Cherue, the nine donated Refrigerants will be sent to counties which have not benefitted from previous donations, to keep vaccinations and other medical equipment at the right temperature for use.

Earlier, the National Ozone Unit (NOU) Focal Point Earl Neblett, said the GTZ and EPA will transport the Medical Freezers to the selected counties, install, and monitor their performance. Mr. Neblett named counties selected to benefit as, Nimba, Margibi, Grand Bassa, Lofa, Maryland, Sinoe, Grand Cape Mount and Montserrado.

The EPA through the National Ozone Unit (NOU) for the past four years, has been involved in eliminating a group of chemicals, capable of causing skin cancer, cataract of the eye among others that threaten the health of the citizenry.