Reaching children in Fiji’s most remote and maritime communities with life-saving vaccines is expected to become easier through a new Solar Vaccine Carrier Pilot Programme introduced by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.

The initiative, launched yesterday, will see 65 solar-powered vaccine carriers distributed to health facilities around the country to support vaccine delivery in hard-to-reach areas.

Designed to keep vaccines at the recommended temperature of between 2°C and 8°C for up to 12 hours, the carriers help preserve vaccine quality during transport, ensuring they remain safe and effective upon arrival.

Unlike conventional carriers that rely heavily on ice packs, the new units can operate using either electricity or solar power. Their lightweight design is also expected to make vaccine transportation more practical for frontline health workers.

The programme is expected to improve Fiji’s emergency response capabilities by helping maintain the vaccine cold chain during natural disasters such as cyclones and floods, when access to reliable power can be disrupted.

Health officials will use the pilot phase to evaluate the technology’s performance as the Ministry works to strengthen immunisation services and improve equitable access to vaccines for children across the country.