A donation of 24 motorcycles to reach isolated areas

Twenty-four motorcycles were handed over to the Comoros Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) on Thursday, July 24, 2025. The ceremony was held at Ocopharma, in the presence of several partners, including UNICEF, Gavi, and the Ministry of Health.

This donation, funded entirely by the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi) in the amount of USD 47,000, aims to facilitate travel for health workers to the most remote areas. Thanks to this new means of transportation, more children will be able to receive vaccines, including those living in hard-to-reach areas. During her remarks, UNICEF Acting Representative Emmanuelle Collet thanked Gavi, a long-time partner, and the Comorian government for its participation in funding the vaccination program.

One observation was highlighted: vaccination coverage for the three doses of the DTP vaccine has fallen from 77% in 2012 to 67% in 2022. According to the speaker, an inclusive system must be put in place to ensure that no child is left behind.

Gavi’s Country Manager for the Union of the Comoros, Dr. Miriam Faid, praised the joint efforts of the government, UNICEF, WHO, and other partners. According to this representative, the delivery of these motorcycles marks an important step forward for public health. The Pev coordinator, Chamsa Halidi Abdallah, detailed the distribution of the vehicles: 11 for Ngazidja, 4 for Mwali, and 9 for Ndzuani.

This sharing will ensure better coverage of the three islands. In closing, the Minister of Health, Ahamada Sidi Nahouda, congratulated the donors and urged the beneficiary organizations—regional directorates, health centers, districts, and health workers—to use this equipment responsibly. For the ministry official, these motorcycles are mission tools that must be used seriously.