DILI, 23 March 2026 (TATOLI) — The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has delivered cold chain equipment to Timor-Leste’s Ministry of Health to strengthen vaccine storage and ensure their effectiveness nationwide.
UNICEF Deputy Representative Teija Vallandinghan said the shipment includes 70 refrigerators, 70 voltage stabilizers and 570 temperature monitoring devices. The equipment will reinforce the country’s temperature-controlled supply chain, enabling the safe storage, management and transport of vaccines from central facilities to health posts.
With support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, four regional warehouses now have uninterrupted power supply systems to store COVID-19 and routine vaccines. In addition, 80 health posts have been equipped with solar-powered refrigerators, improving vaccine preservation in remote areas with limited electricity.
Incinerators have also been installed in municipal warehouses to ensure the safe disposal of medical waste, supporting better environmental and public health practices.
Vallandinghan said vaccination remains one of the most effective public health interventions to prevent disease and reduce child mortality, highlighting UNICEF’s continued partnership with the health sector since independence.
Timor-Leste has made significant gains in immunization, including eliminating maternal and neonatal tetanus, measles and rubella, while maintaining its polio-free status. The national vaccination program now covers 13 antigens.
She said domestic financing of routine vaccines reflects the government’s commitment to protecting all children, with partners pledging continued support to improve coverage and service quality.
TATOLI
