Sabin Vaccine Institute convenes government officials to discuss progress on sustainable immunization financing programs
During the two-day colloquium, delegates will participate in an open exchange of strategies and best practices that have helped their countries increase commitments to fund national immunization programs. In panel sessions, delegates will present their legislative activities, conduct peer assessments and discuss innovations in financing, budgeting and advocacy. They will also prepare short-term, country specific advocacy plans designed to make progress on sustainable immunization financing by 2016.
The necessity of comprehensive, uninterrupted national immunization programs is recognized by Millennium Development Goal Four (reduction of child mortality) and the GVAP, a framework for extending the full benefits of immunization to every man, woman and child by 2020. However, rising costs due to the addition of new life-saving vaccines and unguaranteed external funding pose serious challenges for national immunization programs.
“We cannot overlook the power of vaccines. Immunization is one of the most effective and affordable investments that a country can make in its citizens,” said Dr. Ciro de Quadros, executive vice president at the Sabin Vaccine Institute. “As nations increase investment in vaccination programs, they are taking essential measures to save lives while also stimulating productivity and accelerating economic growth.”
The SIF program currently works with 18 countries to facilitate collective action on immunization financing and has helped organize more than 100 advocacy briefings and peer exchanges to assist those countries. By encouraging the exchange of financial, programmatic and legislative information; establishing relationships with diverse stakeholders; documenting and sharing best management practices; and monitoring performance, the SIF program has helped countries solidify their financial commitments to their immunization programs.
“Many countries are hindered by the rising costs associated with the introduction of new vaccines,” added Miloud Kaddar, Health Economist, Division of Vaccines and Biologicals, WHO/HQ, Geneva, Switzerland. “We therefore must prioritize finding sustainable sources of funding for national vaccination programs if we are to meet the goals of the Global Vaccine Action Plan.”
The 17 countries participating in the colloquium are all SIF pilot countries. They are Cameroon, Cambodia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Indonesia, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Mali, Mongolia, Nepal, Nigeria, Republic of Congo, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Uganda and Vietnam. All but three countries – Mongolia, Republic of Congo and Vietnam – attended SIF’s first colloquium in 2011 held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The following SIF partners also are attending this year’s meeting: WHO, UNICEF, World Bank, GAVI Alliance and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
About Sabin Vaccine Institute
Sabin Vaccine Institute is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization of scientists, researchers, and advocates dedicated to reducing needless human suffering caused by vaccine preventable and neglected tropical diseases. Sabin works with governments, leading public and private organizations, and academic institutions to provide solutions for some of the world’s most pervasive health challenges. Since its founding in 1993 in honor of the oral polio vaccine developer, Dr. Albert B. Sabin, the Institute has been at the forefront of efforts to control, treat and eliminate these diseases by developing new vaccines, advocating use of existing vaccines and promoting increased access to affordable medical treatments. For more information please visit www.sabin.org.
Quotes from some Delegates at the Conference
Uganda, Hon. Oleru Huda:
“Uganda is making significant progress in developing new funding sources for immunization through our own national legislature,” said Hon. Oleru Huda. “We have received positive feedback that the bill will not present a financial burden on our state, and furthermore will benefit the population by reducing illness and death from vaccine-preventable diseases.”
Liberia, Parliamentarian/ Representative of the House, Hon. William Dakel:
Sierra Leone, Dr. Sartie Kenneh, Child Health and EPI Manager in the Ministry of Health and Sanitation:
Sri Lanka, Dr. Paba Palihawadana, Chief of Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health:
“Sri Lanka has a separate budget line for immunization in our health budget allocated by the treasury.This has ensured the vaccine financing in Sri Lanka”, said Dr. Paba Palihawadana, Chief of Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health. “We are also exploring alternative financing mechanism for immunization at provincial level. We will not stop until we have sustainable financing mechanism in place for our routine immunization services and protected by legal framework.”
Nepal, Mr. Kedar Prasad Paneru, Under Secretary of Ministry of Finance:
“Nepal’s efforts to develop a national fund and corresponding legislation for routine immunization services illustrate our long-term outlook. We are reducing the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases and are finding sustainable ways to finance the program,” said Mr. Kedar Prasad Paneru, Under Secretary of Ministry of Finance.
“Recently Finance Minister has addressed these issues through budget speech of FY 2013/14. We have high hopes that the bill will be finalized into law this fall – either by the new parliament or through a presidential ordinance.”
Mongolia, Dr. Delger Munkhbat:
“Mongolia has a strong immunization program with a long and successful track record. But, as our economy grows, we must make plans for years ahead when we are not eligible for outside grants,” said Dr. Delger Munkhbat. “We look forward to hearing from our colleagues at this unique international forum on how other countries are creating long-term sources of financing.”