Africa CDC continues to steel health systems in member states
LINEO MABEKEBEKE
MASERU – The Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to bolstering Lesotho’s health security and aligning with the collective resolve of African Union (AU) member states.
With a strong mandate from the heads of state and government, Africa CDC continues to play a pivotal role in building resilient health systems that safeguard the well-being of all Africans, including the people of Lesotho.
In a significant gesture this week, Africa CDC handed over state-of-the-art vaccine cold chain equipment and a Toyota 4WD, valued at an impressive USD 113,446 (M2, 064,240.73), to the Government of Lesotho.
This vital contribution aims to enhance the storage and transportation of vaccines, ensuring their effectiveness and safety from the point of manufacture to administration in healthcare settings.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen Lesotho’s healthcare infrastructure, particularly in the area of immunisation and vaccine delivery.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Dr. Lul Riek, Africa CDC’s representative, said this support was made possible through the Saving Lives and Livelihoods programme—a collaborative partnership between the MasterCard Foundation, Africa CDC, and UNICEF, with UNICEF serving as the trusted procurement agent.
This multi-faceted initiative underscores the critical role of international partnerships in addressing health challenges across the continent.
Dr. Riek said the handover marks the beginning of a sustained commitment to Lesotho. He revealed that plans are underway for a subsequent phase of support, which will focus on completing the vaccination of healthcare workers and vulnerable groups, as well as building a robust workforce of community health workers.
“Beyond the cold chain equipment, we will support Lesotho to establish a world-class public health emergency operation centre and train frontline health workers,” he added, underlining Africa CDC’s comprehensive approach to health security.
The need for such preparedness was starkly illustrated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which served as a wake-up call for the world.
Dr. Riek urged partners to act decisively and collaboratively to strengthen the continent’s health infrastructure, invest in pandemic preparedness, and prioritise health equity to safeguard future generations. The Minister of Health, Selibe Mochoboroane, expressed deep appreciation for the Africa CDC’s support.
He highlighted the critical importance of maintaining an efficient cold chain infrastructure, which is essential for preserving the potency and effectiveness of vaccines as they make their way from manufacturers to recipients. “These resources will significantly enhance our capacity to store and transport vaccines under optimal conditions,” Mochoboroane said, emphasising the direct impact this will have on public health.
He pledged that with Africa CDC’s support, Lesotho would reach every corner of the nation with life-saving immunisations and healthcare interventions.
He acknowledged that the cold chain equipment is not just about responding to current needs, but also about future-proofing Lesotho’s healthcare system against potential health emergencies.
“This equipment will enable us to respond swiftly to health crises, ensuring that no community is left behind in our quest for universal health coverage, as outlined in the Immunisation Agenda 2030,” he said.
He further expressed gratitude to Africa CDC for their invaluable partnership and continuous support, underscoring that these efforts are helping to build a resilient healthcare system in Lesotho.
This system is designed to prioritise the well-being of Basotho and contribute to the global fight against vaccine-preventable diseases.
Mochoboroane also took a moment to honour the dedication and unwavering commitment of healthcare professionals and frontline workers, whom he described as the backbone of Lesotho’s healthcare system.
“With these resources, I am confident that we will continue to deliver quality healthcare services that meet the immunisation needs from infancy to adulthood,” he said.
In a final call to action, he pledged to utilise the cold chain equipment effectively and responsibly, while also appealing to healthcare workers to strive to uphold the highest standards of healthcare delivery.
He emphasised the importance of ensuring equitable access to vaccines across all communities in Lesotho. UNICEF Deputy Representative, Kimanzi Muthengi also spoke at the event, highlighting the critical role UNICEF has played in this initiative.
He pointed out that the handover symbolises UNICEF’s commitment to ensuring every child has access to life-saving vaccines, a mission that has taken on renewed urgency in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Muthengi reflected on the pandemic’s global impact, noting how it exposed the fragility of healthcare systems worldwide, particularly in terms of medical supply chains. “While countries with robust primary healthcare systems managed to cope better, the pandemic’s disruption left many facing severe shortages of vital medical commodities,” he said.
This reality, he noted, underscores the significance of the cold chain equipment handed over to Lesotho, which will play a crucial role in mitigating such vulnerabilities in the future.
The strong trust placed in UNICEF by the African Union for managing the procurement of cold chain equipment for its member states, including Lesotho, reflects the enduring relationship and credibility that UNICEF has earned over the years. This partnership is not just about providing equipment; it is about ensuring that these resources are used effectively to safeguard the health of future generations.
