Kenya is set to receive $130 million (Sh14 billion) from World Bank to facilitate the purchase of COVID-19 vaccines.
The funding was approved by the World Bank Board of Executive Directors under the Kenya COVID-19 Health Emergency Response Project.
According to the bank in a declaration, the extra financing will aid Kenya in acquiring more vaccines through the COVAX and the African Vaccine Acquisition Task Team (AVATT) initiative.
“It will also support the deployment of those vaccines by boosting Kenya’s cold chain storage capacity,” the statement read.
The action works towards setting up 25 County vaccine stores, enhancing the capacity of 36 sub-county stores, and stock 1,177 health facilities with jab storage tools.
According to World Bank Country Director Keith Hansen, the additional funds will aid Kenya in its collective attempts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hansen remarked that the funds will aid fasten the distribution of jabs widely.
“The upfront financing for the acquisition of Covid-19 vaccines will enable the government to expand access to more Kenyans free of cost.”
According to World Bank Senior Health Economist Jane Chuma, the funds will also facilitate vaccine safety surveillance and training for health workers.
“With the increased support for a rapid COVID-19 response, the World Bank is offering the government a flexible approach to select a portfolio of vaccines that best suits local capacities, timings of delivery, and vaccine approvals.”
By Everlyne Bosibori
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