Sustainable Immunization Financing

When it comes to children’s health, vaccination has been shown to be a wise investment. Vaccinating children not only prevents unnecessary suffering and death but also promotes the development of healthier, more productive families, communities and societies.

Expanding vaccination coverage and introducing new vaccines against hepatitis B, Haemophilus Influenzae type b (Hib), rotavirus, human papilloma virus (HPV), and pneumococcal disease are the goals of many national immunization systems worldwide. But as these health programs expand and newer vaccines are introduced, costs are rising faster than government budgets. Rising costs are putting a strain on national health programs in many developing countries, even those committed to building strong immunization systems.

Thanks to a generous grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Sabin’s new Sustainable Immunization Financing program will help developing countries continue providing this essential public good to their children. The program encourages key stakeholders—The GAVI Alliance and other external partners, national governments, the domestic private sector and key civil society groups—to work together to identify sustainable financing mechanisms for immunization. Focusing on 12 African and 3 Asian pilot countries, the program also forges links across the countries, encouraging cooperation—and healthy competition—at the global level.

Related Resources

• Library