Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – UNICEF and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, announced support of over US$3.2 million to the Ministry of Health in Uzbekistan.

The Gavi support   combines equipment and waste management resources provided across Uzbekistan. The donated IT equipment, which includes 3,000 tablets and 221 remote temperature monitoring systems will be instrumental in modernising the immunization programme in Uzbekistan. By digitizing the programme, the Ministry of Health will enable effective tracking of vaccine coverage, monitor vaccine supply chains, and improve overall immunization management.

In addition to the IT equipment, UNICEF and Gavi provided waste management equipment and annual supplies for 28 healthcare facilities in Andijan, Namangan, Jizzakh, Surkhandarya, Syrdarya regions of Uzbekistan, as well as the Republican Research Centre of Emergency Medicine in Tashkent City to support the Ministry of Health in their efforts to strengthen the healthcare system.

The latest support is a culmination of synergy between UNICEF and GAVI efforts to foster sustainable and equitable systems for immunization, building a resilient health workforce and building public trust and confidence in immunization.

Over the last 5 years GAVI has supported UNICEF with over US$28 million  

“It is commendable to note that more than 8,000 vaccination workers will be able to timely access vaccination records and identify the target population. I take the opportunity to congratulate all implementing partners for introducing and implementing the digital and climate-resilient waste management technologies,” said Jan Castilhos Franca, Gavi’s Senior Country Portfolio Manager for Uzbekistan.

Proper waste management is essential for ensuring the overall quality and safety of the immunization programme in Uzbekistan.

"We are proud to support the Ministry of Health in Uzbekistan as they work to strengthen their immunization programme," said Geoffrey Ijumba, Acting Representative of UNICEF in Uzbekistan. "By donating this essential IT equipment and waste management resources, we are helping to ensure that every child in Uzbekistan has access to life-saving vaccines and is protected from preventable diseases."

The digitalization of the immunization programme in Uzbekistan, coupled with improved waste management practices, will help to address equity gaps in vaccine coverage and improve data quality and reporting. This will enable the Ministry of Health to make more informed decisions about vaccine distribution and ensure that all children, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status, have access to essential vaccines and safe healthcare services.

"We are grateful for the support of UNICEF and Gavi in modernizing our immunization programme," said Bakhodir Yusupaliev, Head of Republican Committee for Sanitary Epidemiological Wellbeing and Public Health under the Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan. "This donation of IT equipment and waste management resources will enable us to better manage our vaccine supply chain, track vaccine coverage, and ultimately improve the health outcomes of children in Uzbekistan."

UNICEF and Gavi remain committed to supporting the Ministry of Health in Uzbekistan as they work towards achieving universal immunization coverage and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilling life. This donation of IT equipment and waste management resources is just one part of their ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare systems and improve access to essential vaccines for children around the world.