CA deploys six refrigerated trucks to improve delivery of vaccines

Nairobi, Kenya, November 2 - The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has introduced a project to enhance the delivery of temperature-sensitive vaccines and medical supplies to remote health facilities. The Post4Health initiative, a collaboration between the CA, the Universal Postal Union (UPU), and the Postal Corporation of Kenya (PCK), has deployed six refrigerated trucks to maintain the necessary temperatures for these supplies.

Operated by PCK, the trucks will utilize the postal network's extensive coverage across all 47 counties in Kenya.

Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) has been involved in the project since its inception last year. Health Minister William Kabogo emphasized the importance of preserving the efficacy of vaccines, insulin, and other medications that can deteriorate if not kept within the required temperature range during transportation. The CA highlighted that the cold chain frequently breaks during the final leg of delivery to remote health facilities, jeopardizing the safety of these medical supplies.

The CA lauded the Post4Health project, stating that it leverages the postal network already owned by the government to support the health of Kenyans. This network can collaborate with KEMSA and county health systems to transport medical supplies, facilitate information sharing, and monitor the temperature and location of deliveries. The project received funding, with the UPU contributing Sh22 million and the Universal Service Fund (USF) providing Sh42.9 million.

CA Director General David Mugonyi explained that the initiative is part of broader efforts to utilize the USF to improve access to essential services in underserved areas. The USF Advisory Council Chairperson, James Ongwae, noted that the fund's 2023-2027 strategy has allocated KSh3.1 billion to strengthen the public postal operator. The strategy also aims to reduce the average distance to the nearest post office from approximately 30 kilometers to 22 kilometers and extend postal access to 99% of the population.

Additionally, the CA reported the installation of Radio Frequency Identification monitoring equipment in 10 additional post offices, bringing the total to 30. Furthermore, 17 post offices in underserved counties have been upgraded with local area network infrastructure.