24 Mar 2022

The Embassy of Japan and UNICEF have partnered with the Ministry of Health and Wellness in the fight against COVID-19 by procuring cold chain equipment worth P11.2 million to support the country’s nutrition programme. 

Speaking during the partnership launch in Gaborone on Thursday, Minister of Health and wellness, Dr Edwin Dikoloti said the assistance was timely as the ministry was in dire need of support in the cold chain area, especially during in light of COVID-19 pandemic.

“We remain grateful to the Japanese government for this kind of aid which will be used to procure cold chain equipment such as cold storage facilities and transport, support human resource development for operations and maintenance of cold chain equipment as well as monitoring for effective management of COVID-19 vaccines,” he said. The minister further stated that the gesture demonstrated that two countries continued to enjoy long-standing relations been built over time. He added that it was gratifying that the ministry was already reaping the benefits of the friendship. 

The minister also expressed gratitude to Japan for assisting his ministry with a P28 million grant through the Japanese Grant Aid for Economic and Social Development Programme at the beginning of the COVID-19. 

Dr Dikoloti said the money was used to procure equipment for the management of COVID-19. “The equipment which included thermography systems, infusion pumps, syringe pumps, Automated External Defibrillators (AED), mobile X-ray Unit and bedside monitors has indeed assisted in the management of COVID-19 and has made a significant impact in the lives of many Batswana,” he said.

The minister said the Japanese government also gave the ministry a four million Pula grant through the Debt Relief Fund for procurement of medical equipment for use towards reduction of maternal and infant mortality in our country. He added that the equipment was successfully installed and was operational at Scottish Livingstone Memorial Hospital in Molepolole.

Dr Dikoloti also acknowledged UNICEF for the strong partnership that existed between the ministry and fund, especially in the area of child health. He also appreciated UNICEF’s efforts in ensuring that COVID-19 vaccines were sourced and transported timeously, which helped the ministry to meet crucial vaccination targets. 

For his part, Ambassador Hoshiyama Takashi said his country was actively assisting to strengthen health and medical systems in Africa, including Botswana. “It is with great pleasure that I stand here today alongside minister Dikoloti and UNICEF’s, Dr Joan Matji to celebrate the new cooperation,” he said. Mr Takashi said the significance of supporting the health and medical area was now more important as the world lived in the COVID-19 era. 

He said the experience had taught countries that there should not be any geographical vacuum in addressing global health issues, and Japan as a country that believed in human security and universal health coverage wanted everyone covered.

“This launch is an excellent opportunity for us to reconfirm and reiterate our commitment to health and wellbeing of Batswana and we will continue to work closely with stakeholders based on the concept of human security,” Mr Takashi said. UNICEF representative, Dr Matji said she was delighted to be part of the joint cooperation. 

“The funding will also support human resource development related to operations and maintenance of cold chain equipment as well as monitoring for effective management of routine COVID-19 vaccines,” she said. Moreover, Dr Matji said UNICEF would use their comparative advantage in pooled procurement to ensure that the cold chain equipment was procured in a timely manner. She also said the support would benefit and reinforce routine immunisation services to protect children against childhood diseases. 

The equipment will include five ultra-low temperature freezers, two walk-in freezers, four walk-in cold rooms, 210 EPI fridges and 300 temperature monitoring devices. BOPA