Uganda's increasing dependence on development partner's support for immunization - a five year resource tracking...

Area of Science:

• Health Economics
• Public Health Financing
• Immunization Programs

Background:

• Uganda faces challenges in collecting accurate data on immunization investments.
• Reliable financial data is essential for effective immunization planning, financing, and resource mobilization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure and describe the financial resources allocated to immunization in Uganda between 2012 and 2016.
• To analyze immunization expenditure patterns at the sub-national level.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Systems of Health Accounts (SHA) 2011 methodology.
• Collected data from national and sub-national public and external sources.
• Coded, categorized, and disaggregated immunization expenditure data.

Main Results:

• Immunization funding increased fourfold, from US$20.4 million in 2012 to US$85.6 million in 2016.
• Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, became the primary contributor (59%) by 2015-2016, increasing dependence on external funding.
• 80% of funds were spent on facility-based routine immunization, with districts and health facilities allocating significant portions of their budgets to support immunization activities.

Conclusions:

• While external support improved vaccine coverage, over-reliance poses sustainability risks.
• Recommendations include operationalizing the immunization fund, mobilizing domestic and private sector resources, and leveraging health financing reforms.