The World Health Organization hands over 24 vehicles to the ministry of health and social welfare to strengthen immunization services and distribution of medicines
On the 19th of July, 2013, the WHO Country Office handed over to the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare vehicles to strengthen provision of Immunization services and distribution of medicines and medical supplies in the districts. The 24 vehicles handed over are worth a total of USD 714,457.86 equivalent to Tanzanian Shillings 1,180,284,384.
The handing over ceremony was preceded by a briefing session to the recently appointed Chairpersons of the 4 Polio Eradication Committees. The ceremony was presided over by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Hon. Dr. Hussein Mwinyi. The four committees include: National Polio Importation Committee, National Polio Expert Committee, National Polio Laboratory Containment Committee and National Polio Certification Committee.
Others present to witness the occasion included the Ag. Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Donan Mmbando; Directors and Programme Officers from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the World Health Organization Representative for Tanzania, Dr. Rufaro Chatora, WHO staff, Representative from UNICEF and members of the media.
In his handing over speech, the WHO Representative, Dr. Rufaro Chatora, commended the government of Tanzania for progress made so far towards the five Goals of Decade of Vaccines by 2020. Highlighting the challenges that still remain in the area of immunization, Dr. Chatora said, “In order to ensure every child is fully immunized and goals for the Decade of Vaccines are achieved, we need to ensure that districts deliver on time the needed vaccines to the health facilities and also monitor closely that children receive vaccines of good quality”. He concluded by reassuring WHO’s commitment to work with partners to support the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in the implementation of the Global Vaccines Action Plan and ensure efficient distribution of essential medicines and medical supplies.
In his acceptance speech, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare Hon. Dr. Hussein Mwinyi said that the vehicles handed over will strengthen provision of immunization services in the newly formed districts and complement the country’s efforts in realising the Millennium Development Goal number 4. He further expressed appreciation to the World Health Organization (WHO) for the timely support to the people of Tanzania and assured that the vehicles will be maintained and used for the intended purposes.
