After 10 days of intensive learning, practical demonstrations, and field exposure, 9 officials from Egypt’s Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), Ministry of Health, on May 14th 2026 concluded a specialized Cold Chain Equipment Management (CCEM) training hosted by the UR EAC Regional Centre of Excellence for Vaccines.

The training, conducted from 3–15 May 2026 in collaboration with UNICEF Egypt, convened EPI staff and Cold Chain Managers to reinforce technical capacity in vaccine cold chain systems as part of broader Effective Vaccine Management (EVM) efforts.

Throughout the programme, participants explored key areas of cold chain equipment. Beyond classroom sessions, the training emphasized hands-on learning through practical exercises and field visits. A key highlight was the participants’ visits to the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) EPI Central Vaccines Warehouse at the Kigali Special Economic Zone, where they observed vaccine storage, logistics operations, and cold chain service delivery in practice.

What Trainees Had to Say.

One of the most valuable lessons from this training was understanding that cold chain equipment maintenance is a critical public health function not just a technical task as it directly affects vaccine safety and immunization performance. It also improved our practical skills in areas such as troubleshooting and management of modern WHO PQS equipment, use of solar-powered systems and green cold chain technologies. This training will strongly support our ongoing efforts to strengthen cold chain systems in Egypt and contribute to future capacity-building activities for other cold chain personnel, especially as the country continues to expand the use of modern environmentally sustainable cold chain technologies. I strongly believe that the success of one African country contributes to the success of the entire continent. In immunization and public health, we share one mission: ensuring that every child receives safe and effective vaccines, regardless of location.” — Eng. Nada Mohammed, Vaccine Cold Chain Director, Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), Ministry of Health and Population, Egypt.

“As a technician working for several years in cold chain maintenance experience, I recognize that investing in cold chain equipment management capacity is key. Even the best vaccines lose effectiveness if equipment is not properly maintained, so countries need qualified technicians, preventive maintenance systems, and rapid response mechanisms. This training deepened my practical knowledge on modern WHO PQS equipment and preventive maintenance systems, introduced me to solar-powered refrigeration and green cold chain technologies, which are increasingly important for sustainable immunization programs. Also, sharing experiences with peers from different African countries highlighted common challenges and reinforced our collective responsibility to ensure vaccine potency and safe immunization for all children.” — Ramy Rasmy, Senior Cold Chain Technician- subnational level.

The Centre appreciates all participants for successfully completing the training and extends its gratitude to UNICEF Egypt, UNICEF ESARO, UNICEF Rwanda, and the Rwanda Biomedical Centre for their support in its delivery.