Solar Vaccine Refrigerators for the Yemen

Client:
Yemen Ministry of Health
 
“Dulas is one of a handful of companies world-wide who are qualified as solar systems suppliers and who manufacture a range of CFC free solar refrigerators for use in the cold chain, and rural health facilities.”
Cath Peasley, Dulas Ltd.
 
Objectives:

To support the Yemen Ministry of Health in developing its infrastructure for immunisation facilities, particularly for Polio vaccine. To provide solar refrigeration equipment for the storage and distribution of vaccines.
 
Implementation:

This was a multi-phase project, incorporating product development, training at different levels, and the eventual implementation in a challenging environment. The initial pilot equipment, which included 30 complete systems were procured and delivered in 1998. The next phase of training for system use, maintenance and installation was carried out in Yemen also in 1998. Manufacture and delivery of 190 systems took place in 1999, supported with further training to a higher level. This was supported by a follow-up visit in June 2000. 
 
Site Specific Issues:

Difficult terrain, challenging communications, journeys of up to 3 days from port to installation site. These difficult, often extreme conditions required specific equipment design. Distribution was required into 15 Governorates, each with different site characteristics.
 
Conclusions:

The capable and well trained EPI team who worked with Dulas helped with the difficult implementation of the solar fridge systems. The flexibility and robustness of the fridge systems has contributed to the overall success of the WHO immunisation programmes.

All refrigerators manaufactured by Dulas Ltd fully comply with WHO and UNICEF requirements.