Strengthening the cold chain system in areas with most Afghan refugee population

The project in brief

The project was implemented by UNICEF and The Ministry of Health and Medical Education and Medical Universities in Iran. It began in 2022 and ended in 2023.

UNICEF has contributed to strengthening the national cold chain system by procurement of CCE items including 204 Vaccine refrigerators, 17 refrigerated Vehicles and 19 walk-in cold rooms and distributed among medical universities and PHCs in areas with most Afghan residents.

UNICEF’s contribution to strengthening the national system through the procurement of Cold Chain Equipment (CCE) items has far-reaching implications for the health of Afghan refugees and host countries. The impact of strengthening the cold chain system in the health system is multidimensional, encompassing improved vaccination outcomes, disease prevention, enhanced health services, reduced morbidity and mortality, capacity building, and increased public health resilience for Afghan refugees in host countries.

Main activities of the Good Practice

• Procurement of 204 Vaccine refrigerators 2023
• Procurement of 17 Refrigerated Vehicle
• Procurement of equipment for 19 walk-in cold rooms and their installation

Relying on the well-established PHC network in the country integrated both in urban and rural areas facilitate reaching Afghan refugees. PHC network throughout the country provides free service for all individuals regardless of their nationalities. This enhances the access of Afghan Refugees to primary health care services. The distribution of CCE items in PHC improves the health of Afghan refugees.

Partners involved

• The Ministry of Health and Medical Education
• Medical Universities

Results of the Good Practice

Enhancing the access of Afghan Refugees to primary health care services.

In what way does the good practice meet one or more of the four objectives of the Global Compact on Refugees?

Objective 1: Ease the pressures on host countries

UNICEF’s contribution to strengthening the national system through the procurement of Cold Chain Equipment (CCE) items has far-reaching implications for the health of Afghan refugees and host countries.