Toyota has modified its Land Cruiser 4×4 to be capable of carrying refrigerated vaccines in developing countries.
The conversion has obtained the (deep breath…) Performance, Quality and Safety prequalification for quality of medical devices and equipment – as set by the World Health Organization (WHO). This is the first refrigerated vehicle for vaccines to gain approval.
Fitted with a B Medical Systems CF850 vaccine refrigerator, the Land Cruiser can transport 396 litres, or 400 vaccine packages at a time, and is also fitted with an independent battery allowing the refrigerator to be operated for around 16 hours without a power supply.
The fridge can be also charged by the vehicle while driving, and from an external power source when parked.
Designed for developing countries
Toyota said vaccines normally require storage at 2°C to 8°C, and cannot be used if not stored under proper temperature management. It added that around 20 percent of all vaccines supplied worldwide are disposed of each year because they become unusable due to temperature changes during the final stage of transportation.
This often includes the journey to a hospital or clinic, as there may be no refrigerated transport in developing countries.
As well as supplying vaccines for children, Toyota said the converted 4×4 can be used under the international framework COVAX, which seeks to distribute vaccines for Covid-19 fairly to developing countries.
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