Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, March 1, 2022 (PAHO) – Twenty refrigerators have been donated to the Dominican Republic's Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) by the Government of Canada (Global Affairs Canada), through the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). The donation will help expand vaccine storage capacity in provincial collection centers prioritized by the country, with emphasis on border areas, thus improving access to vaccines in these territories.
In April, the country is expecting two additional cold storage units for the national warehouse, helping to reduce gaps in the storage of COVID-19 vaccines, among others.
PAHO's representative in the Dominican Republic, Dr. Olivier Ronveaux, highlighted the importance of this donation in strengthening collective health in the country.
The Consul General of Canada, Collin Holditch, expressed satisfaction in supporting the Dominican Republic in this area.
Dr. Eladio Hernández, Deputy Minister of Collective Health (Ministry of Public Health) indicated that the contribution comes at the right time in the country's fight for public health.
"I know that this will not only help in the fight against COVID. It will also work with the other 17 vaccines that are part of the country's immunization program, especially in the border area where we have the greatest need," Hernandez said.
The Government of Canada, through PAHO, has provided more than US$400,000 to strengthen vaccine storage and distribution capacity in the country, in addition to strengthening other components of the program such as epidemiological surveillance, training, and supervision.
