By E, KNA
The County Government of Nakuru is adopting use of solar powered refrigerators to strengthen vaccine storage and delivery particularly in remote areas with limited or no electricity in a bid to reduce vaccine wastage.
According to the devolved unit this transformative investment means Nakuru’s health facilities can keep lifesaving vaccines and essential medicines fresh even in areas with inconsistent power supply, directly improving service delivery and health outcomes for residents.
The initiative according to County Biomedical Engineering Officer Mr Kibet Keitany has significantly expanded storage capacity at public health facilities in hard to reach and off grid areas.
Already, Solar Drive Vaccine Fridges have been installed at Munanda dispensary within Gilgil Sub-County, Gacharage dispensary in Kuresoi North and Roret and Lomolo dispensaries within Rongai Sub-County with support from the Ministry of Health and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Solar powered fridges are game-changers as they reduce electricity costs, require minimal maintenance, and ensure reliability for frontline health services. facilities such as Chepakundi, Tendwet, Kiplemeiywo, Masaita, Kapsinendet, Ndoroto, Kinungi, Ngondi, Korabariet, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Mwangi Michuki Dispensaries already benefit from solar cold chain systems, added Mr Keitany.
He added that installations were ongoing at Rongai Turi, Kamosop, Kigonor, Lusiru, Arus and Kapyemit dispensaries.
While describing installation of the new cold chain equipment as a milestone that will significantly improve access to life-saving immunization services for residents of the County, Mr Keitany said the innovation ensures vaccines are safely stored at optimal temperatures without relying on electricity or fuel-powered generators.
The equipment, he added will provide continuous cold storage powered by solar energy and will ensure vaccine quality as the solar-powered unit guarantees uninterrupted vaccine preservation, even in remote or off-grid areas.
The Biomedical Engineering Officer indicated that adoption of solar powered vaccine storage refrigerators aligns with Governor Susan Kihika’s commitment to strengthen primary healthcare systems and expand equitable access to essential health services across all the 11 Sub-Counties.
“This initiative is part of the continued commitment by Governor Kihika’s administration to strengthening primary care and expanding access to quality healthcare for all residents,” he added
To maintain vaccine potency and availability, Mr Keitany underscored the need for a robust cold chain system that reliably delivers vaccines on time and in optimal condition to every person.
He emphasized the often-overlooked importance of cold chain systems in public health adding that a reliable cold chain was one of the most vital aspects of public health.
“As we celebrate vaccines, we must always remain alive to the fact that without a functional cold chain they lose their potency and the promise to save lives,” said the official.
He said with the installation, the dispensaries are now better equipped to serve residents, bringing essential health services closer to families and reducing the need for long-distance travel in search of vaccination services.
A solar-powered refrigerator runs on electricity generated from the sun. The cooler operates with a compressor powered directly from sunlight.