Post4Health was created during the early stages of COVID-19 vaccine deployment and delivery, when countries needed ultra-cold-chain equipment. However, very few Posts already had cold- or ultra-cold-chain logistics in place. With over three billion people living in rural or isolated areas, the successful delivery of the COVID-19 vaccine was arguably the greatest logistical challenge ever faced by humankind. Postal operators once again proved the postal network’s value as a key infrastructure by delivering not only their core services, but also a full range of new social, economic and health-related services, such as the distribution of tests, personal protection equipment and medicines. With guidance, expertise and advice from the UPU in partnership with the World Health Organization, Posts were able to form part of the solution by supporting governments during the pandemic.

Today, Post4Health is much broader and continues to help strengthen the value of one of the world’s biggest networks by delivering not only vaccines, but also health products and services, leveraging the postal network for last-mile delivery. In many countries, the post office is the official distributor of medical equipment to facilities across the nation. However, Posts are facing new challenges caused by climate change, higher global temperatures and the increase in demand for medicine, leading to an inadequate distribution of cold-chain transportation resources. Post4Health therefore provides important support to post offices to help them meet delivery challenges and ensure temperature-controlled logistics and the provision of services at very low temperatures.

Through Post4Health, the UPU is working with governments, national and international health authorities, and postal operators to form partnerships and create and operate a unique, advantageous ecosystem.

A Post4Health project was implemented in Argentina to enhance the cold-chain capacity of Correo Argentino (the national postal operator) in order to speed up the COVID-19 vaccination campaign in 2021. Correo Argentino increased its cold-chain capacity by constructing new cold chambers in Buenos Aires, allowing for the delivery of 12.8 million additional vaccines. This project also increased cold-chain capacity for other temperature-sensitive medicines, supporting the broader participation of the Post in providing public health services. For the full story, click here.

In Namibia, Post4Health funding allowed NamPost to purchase new temperature-controlled vehicles. As a result, logistical response improved, speeding up distribution through enhanced cold-chain logistics capacity.

The UPU is currently developing a Post4Health project in collaboration with Botswana, where the project will soon be launched.

So far, the UPU has received a total of 500,000 CHF in funding from different donors through extrabudgetary contributions. France’s La Poste Group was the first sponsor of the Post4Health Facility, pledging a total of 100,000 CHF. Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication donated 300,000 CHF and USPS donated 100,000 CHF to support Post4Health. For the full statement, click here.

As a multi-stakeholder facility, Post4Health provides a flexible platform for donors to increase cooperation and have a greater impact. Post4Health relies on voluntary funding from governments, national Posts, the private sector and development partners.

In order to continue implementing Post4Health and meet the needs of member countries submitting applications, the UPU is seeking new funding from donors.