Turkana adopts solar-powered 'Vaccibox' to store vaccines in remote areas
The Vaccibox is designed to strengthen Turkana's health system delivery capacity by providing a reliable and efficient way to store vaccines and medical supplies in areas with limited access to electricity.
Turkana County has taken a significant step towards improving healthcare delivery in remote and off-grid areas with the introduction of the Vaccibox, a solar-powered, IoT-enabled cold storage unit.
The innovation was unveiled at a stakeholder forum held in Lodwar, bringing together development partners and local stakeholders.
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The Vaccibox is designed to strengthen Turkana's health system delivery capacity by providing a reliable and efficient way to store vaccines and medical supplies in areas with limited access to electricity.
According to Sarah Akiru, Deputy Director of Policy Planning, M&E and Partnership Coordination at the Department of Health and Sanitation, the Vaccibox will enable timely immunisation and reduce vaccine wastage over long distances.
She explained key benefits of the innovation, highlighting how it will contribute to uninterrupted immunisation services using a solar-powered Vaccibox that can retain power for up to three days.
"The Vaccibox will also reduce the chances of vaccine wastage, especially in hard-to-reach areas," she explained.
She further added that the innovation will enhance healthcare delivery in remote areas, improving health outcomes and promoting climate resilience.
The stakeholder forum highlighted the importance of collaboration and partnerships in improving healthcare delivery.
Norah Magero, CEO and Co-Founder of Drop Access, emphasised the organisation's commitment to ensuring access to solarised cold chain solutions for vaccines, enhancing healthcare systems and service delivery.
"The Vaccibox initiative has the potential to offer lessons for other arid and semi-arid regions across Kenya and beyond. With the Vaccibox already deployed in key locations, the Turkana-initiated model is poised to make a significant impact on healthcare delivery in remote areas," she said.
Deputy Director of Veterinary Services Dr. Erenius Nakadio acknowledged the partners' support, terming it as an innovative approach that will enhance animal vaccination in remote areas and increase livestock vaccination coverage.
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