Do I really need a small fan inside my fridge?
It is a pretty strange design to have that fan inside the fridge. But it is needed to circulate the cold air properly within the compartments it self.. it helps avoid mould growth, humidity build up and other horrible things.

-- Fans go out sooner or later.. but they usually start to make horrible noises after 12 months.. I would suggest finding a replacement.. and order 2 or 3 because it will do it after 2-3 years again. That is just how it is 

--You could try and source the same dimension fan and voltage from another supplier that is more expensive.. because they put real bearings in that should last 10 years... but it will be a mission.

I am sorry that there is no other real alternative unless you start to go into real DIY and start rearrange everything in the fridge.