Towards Immunization Financing Sustainability in Africa.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Economics
• Health Policy

Background:

• Immunization programs save lives and yield significant economic benefits, contributing to national GDP through increased productivity.
• The scope of immunization has expanded with new vaccines and broader target populations, necessitating sustained and stable financing.
• Achieving full financing and national ownership of immunization programs remains a challenge in many regions, including Africa.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the critical role of planning in ensuring the financial sustainability of immunization programs.
• To examine the link between comprehensive multi-year planning (cMYP) processes and sustainable immunization financing.
• To present country experiences in translating planning into resource mobilization for immunization.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of country experiences in planning and funding immunization programs.
• Focus on the Comprehensive Multi-year Planning (cMYP) framework.
• Examination of the interconnectedness of planning, resource mobilization, and sustainable funding.

Main Results:

• Governments in the Africa region have increased immunization funding but require further commitment for full financing.
• Most countries utilize the cMYP framework to identify resource needs for immunization programs.
• Effective planning enhances resource mobilization, moving countries towards sustainable funding and reducing dependence on external support.

Conclusions:

• Sustainable immunization financing is essential for long-term public health benefits and economic growth.
• Comprehensive multi-year planning is a necessary condition for achieving sustainable immunization financing.
• Strengthened national planning and resource mobilization are key to reducing overdependence on external aid for immunization programs.