The National Institute of Vaccines and Medical Biologicals (NICVB), the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE) in Vietnam are collaborating with Zuellig Pharma (Zuellig) for a USD 600,000 project to expand access to vaccines through the use of eZCooler – an innovative packaging technology that ensures the integrity of temperature-sensitive products to the last mile of transportation.
The project aims to support the Vietnam Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), initiated by the MOH in 1981 with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). As part of the EPI plan, the MOH aims to improve the proportion of vaccination in areas that are at high risk of outbreaks, and in geographically difficult to reach areas, such as remote, mountainous or island areas.
To support this, Zuellig Pharma will provide eZCoolers with 3 capacities (8 liter, 12 liter and 96 liter) in 6 northern provinces in Vietnam including Hai Duong, Bac Ninh, Quang Ninh, Ha Giang, Son La and Yen Bai. Zuellig will also cooperate with NICVB and NIHE to provide training to employees of the Medical Prevention Departments in the 6 provinces on Good Storage Practices for cold chain supply management and usage of the eZCooler.
(Sources: Zuellig Pharma; Saigon News)
