In a bid to strengthen immunization services across the State, the Edo State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has upgraded the Cold Chain equipment at the State’s Cold Store to enhance vaccine storage and distribution capacity.
During an inspection visit to the Central Cold Store Office located at Medical Stores Road, Benin City, the Executive Secretary, Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (EDSPHCDA), Dr. Coulson Oahimire Osoikhia, commended the Governor for his commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure.
Dr. Oahimire explained that just one of the newly restored cold room units could store over 6250 litres of vaccines, and several such units are now operational, noting that the Governor’s approval for the repairs will significantly strengthen vaccine management across the State. He further appreciated development partners such as WHO and UNICEF for training healthcare workers on vaccine management for routine service delivery and in preparation for the upcoming Measles-Rubella catch-up Vaccination Campaign scheduled for January 2026.
Also speaking during an interview with the press, the Director of Disease Control and Immunization, Dr. Efeomon Eseigbe, expressed appreciation to the Executive Governor of Edo State His Excellency, Senator Monday Okphebholo and the Executive Secretary, EDSPHCDA Dr Coulson Oahimere Osoikhia for their dedication to revitalizing the cold chain system at the State’s Cold Store.
“Fixing this equipment has restored our capacity to safely store and distribute potent vaccines Statewide. The cold rooms had been down for years, but now the conditions have greatly improved. We can confidently store and transport thousands of doses to all 18 Local Government Areas across Edo State”. He noted.
In his remark, the State Cold Store Officer, Mr. Joshua Enoma Egunmwendia expressed his appreciation to Edo State Governor, the Executive Secretary, EDSPHCDA, the Director, Disease Control and Immunization and partners like UNICEF and WHO for their steadfast commitment in ensuring the successful upgrade of the equipment at the State Cold Store.
He explained that the restored equipment would ensure all vaccines remain within the optimal temperature range of +2°C to +8°C, adding that two additional refrigerators had been installed to meet the required capacity as the State prepares for the Measles-Rubella campaign scheduled to commence in January 2026.
Mr. Egunmwendia who noted that the cold store housed various vaccine types and antigens for immunization, stated that the upgrades now guarantee optimal vaccine management and reliability of the State’s vaccine supply chain.
Nene Olaye
Head, Public Relations Unit
EDSPHCDA
PHOTO CAPTION
1. The repaired and upgraded Cold Chain Equipment at the State Medical Store in Benin City
2. L-R: The Executive Secretary, EDSPHCDA, Dr. Coulson Oahimire Osoikhia and the Director Disease Control and Immunizatio, EDSPHCDA, Dr. Efeomon Eseigbe inspecting the repaired and upgraded Cold Chain Equipment at the State Medical Store in Benin City
