On December 16, 2024, at the Third Japan-Africa Public-Private Economic Forum held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (President: Tsuyoshi Hashimoto, Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo) and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Logistics Co., Ltd. (President: Koichi Yashima; Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) signed a memorandum of understanding with the aim of improving the African vaccine supply chain. This partnership is an important step in providing equal access to vaccines for African children.
Signing Ceremony at the Third Japan-Africa Public-Private Economic Forum
(Background and Purpose)
Vaccines supplied by Gavi Vaccine Alliance and the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) are required to be stored consistently and appropriately at low temperatures in order to maintain the quality of vaccines from the time of shipment to the time they are administered to the public. However, in many developing countries in Africa, such logistics infrastructure has not been developed, and it is said that some are unused due to lack of appropriate refrigeration equipment and transportation means. The purpose of this MoU is to improve the efficiency of the vaccine supply chain in Africa and improve access to vaccines. Under the MoU, our company will contribute to the improvement of health and well-being in the African region by collaborating with Gavi.
(Details of Collaboration)
Based on the MoU, our company will conduct a study and assess the challenges and needs of the vaccine supply chain, with a focus on Kenya, and analyse these challenges. We will then develop solutions based on the identified needs and issues to create an optimal supply chain. In the future, we aim to achieve smooth storage and delivery of vaccines throughout Africa.
Gavi will leverage its strong network with African governments and ministries of health to assist our company in researching vaccine transport challenges and needs. It will also leverage its expertise to help address challenges in the vaccine supply chain
About Gavi Vaccine Alliance
Gavi is a public-private partnership established in Switzerland through the Davos Forum in 2000 to improve immunization coverage in low-income countries. In low-income countries where many children die from preventable infections because of lack of access to immunization, Gavi are working with partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), World Bank and the Bill Gates Foundation to increase the equity of immunization.
About MOL Logistics
As a global forwarding company, we provide comprehensive solutions to meet diverse logistics needs. In Nairobi, Kenya, we have developed a high-quality warehouse business (* 1) that stores a variety of cargo, including pharmaceuticals. With 139 sales offices in 26 countries and 189 sales offices in 51 countries, we provide optimal logistics services around the world to support our customers' businesses based on our extensive overseas network and experience.
References | Notes
- For details of the Japan Logistics Desk and Nairobi Warehouse, please refer to the press release "Started Logistics Japan Desk and Warehouse Operation in Nairobi, Kenya - Strengthened Logistics Services in Africa -" dated September 1, 2023.
- For further information, please contact: MOL Shipping (Kenya) Ltd.
E-mail: [email protected]
