Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What factors contribute to the rising costs of immunization programs?
National immunization systems in the developing world are vaccinating more children than ever before, and they are progressively incorporating newer, more expensive vaccines into their immunization schedules, thereby increasing costs.

How can poor countries hope to finance their own immunization programs?
All participating GAVI countries have pledged to increase their national vaccine budgets as a condition of their Phase II GAVI grants. Countries can begin by making their existing programs more efficient; this builds a stronger case for increased investment. They can also build public support for immunization programs to help attract new cash and in-kind funding from the domestic private sector. Finally, countries can allocate a greater share of their revenues to immunization and leverage external resources for immunization, including debt relief funds, and long-term (non-concessionary) loans.

How does the Sustainable Immunization Financing program help developing countries?
Senior Program Officers provide sound, practical advice and technical assistance to countries seeking to develop sustainable financing efforts. They work with GAVI Alliance partners, national governments, the domestic private sector and key civil society groups active in immunization to recruit new stakeholders and support collective action to help countries achieve fiscally sustainable immunization systems.

How do you know that sustainable financing, once achieved, will endure long-term?
The more organizations and institutions who get involved in a national immunization effort, the more local citizens will value that system and want to participate. Educating lawmakers on the importance of childhood immunization increases the likelihood government health budgets will both increase and be safeguarded over the long term. As leaders gain awareness of similar advocacy efforts in other countries, fiscally sustainable programs will be seen as essential components of sound fiscal public policy.

How is the Sustainable Immunization Financing program organized?
The Sustainable Immunization Financing Program is headquartered at the Sabin Vaccine Institute in Washington, DC. Sabin's Executive Vice-President, Dr. Ciro de Quadros, provides oversight for the organization, with management assistance from both a director and coordinator. Five field-based Senior Program Officers work directly with the fifteen program countries. An external Partners Group, consisting of representatives of the GAVI partner agencies, provides policy input.

How is the Sustainable Immunization Financing program funded?
The Sustainable Immunization Financing Program is funded by a generous grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.