Financial sustainability planning for immunization services in Cambodia

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Immunization Programs
• Health Economics

Background:

• Established in 1986, Cambodia's Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) faced financial constraints in 2002, with only 67% of eligible children immunized.
• Significant health sector and macroeconomic challenges impacted immunization coverage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the financial sustainability planning process for Cambodia's immunization program initiated in 2002.
• To describe the process's early impact as an advocacy tool for resource mobilization.
• To recommend strategies for securing additional health funding.

Main Methods:

• Description of financial sustainability planning methods employed.
• Detailed account of advocacy strategies utilized for resource mobilization.
• Analysis of financial sustainability planning outcomes and challenges.

Main Results:

• Financial sustainability planning demonstrated success in advocating for increased national and international funding for immunization.
• Rising program costs are noted, driven by new vaccine introductions and technologies.
• Early successes in resource mobilization were achieved despite financial constraints.

Conclusions:

• Financial sustainability planning has proven effective as an advocacy tool for Cambodia's national immunization program.
• The program faces future challenges including rising costs, potential decreases in international aid, and evolving sub-national roles.
• Sustained commitment and innovative strategies are crucial for long-term immunization program viability.