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A Collaborative Push for Sustainable Immunisation Financing in Africa

Introduction

The Regional Dialogue on Immunisation Financing, held on July 31, 2024, convened key stakeholders to address the urgent and growing challenge of securing sustainable funding for routine immunisation programmes across Africa. Titled “A Deep Dive into Financing for Routine Immunisation in Africa”, the event was co-organized by the Gavi CSO Constituency, PATH, and WACI Health.

The dialogue brought together experts, civil society representatives, policymakers, and government officials from across the continent. The aim was clear: to identify effective strategies to overcome financial and logistical barriers, and ensure that life-saving vaccines reach every child—particularly in low-resource and conflict-affected settings.

Vandana Shah, Senior Policy Advisor at the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), opened the session by emphasizing the need for sustained advocacy to influence government budgeting for immunisation. Although some countries, such as Kenya, have increased overall health budgets by up to 12%, she noted that less than 3% is typically allocated to immunisation. This gap illustrates the urgent need for prioritisation within national health financing frameworks.

Throughout the session, civil society organisations (CSOs) were recognised as critical actors in promoting transparency, accountability, and sustained pressure on governments to meet their immunisation commitments.

Chapters

Country Case Studies and Insights

Nigeria

Presented by Dr. Mike Mulongo (PATH), Nigeria dedicates only 2% of its national health budget to immunisation—a dangerously low figure for a nation with one of the world’s largest birth cohorts. This underfunding severely limits vaccine access.

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Political instability compounds challenges. With less than 1% of the national budget allocated to immunisation, many programmes are disrupted—especially in conflict zones. Dr. Mymy Mwika (Ministry of Health, DRC) emphasized the need for innovative funding and global partnerships to maintain coverage.

Ethiopia

Cited as a model for progress, Ethiopia has gradually increased domestic investment while maintaining support from international partners. Strategic advocacy has enabled a hybrid model that balances aid with growing national ownership.

Uganda

Dr. Aminu Magashi Garba (WACI Health) presented Uganda as a success story—achieving a 15% increase in immunisation funding over five years through consistent civil society advocacy and stronger public sector accountability mechanisms.

  1. Increase National Immunisation Budget Allocations
    Most countries allocate less than 3% of their health budgets to immunisation. This must change to meet the rising demand for vaccines and reduce dependency on donors.

  2. Build Resilient Health Systems
    Fragile and conflict-affected states like the DRC must prioritise systems that can withstand shocks and continue delivering vaccines, even in crises.

  3. Enhance Accountability and Transparency
    CSOs must be empowered to monitor immunisation financing and hold governments accountable to their commitments.

  4. Develop Sustainable Financing Models
    Countries should gradually reduce reliance on donor funds by mobilising domestic resources. Ethiopia and Uganda offer replicable models.

  5. Leverage Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)
    PPPs can help fill funding gaps and increase vaccine coverage through innovative delivery systems and co-financing.

Conclusion

The Regional Dialogue on Immunisation Financing sent a powerful message: securing sustainable immunisation funding in Africa is not only urgent but achievable through collective effort.

As emphasized by Keightley Reynolds, Policy and Advocacy Manager at Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, success depends on a united front—governments, civil society, and international actors working hand-in-hand to build equitable, accountable, and resilient immunisation systems.

To achieve Africa’s immunisation goals, countries must:

  • Strengthen domestic investments

  • Promote transparency and accountability

  • Support inclusive, CSO-led advocacy

  • And establish locally owned financing frameworks

The dialogue reaffirmed a shared commitment: that every child, regardless of geography or circumstance, deserves access to life-saving vaccines. With continued partnership, advocacy, and innovation, sustainable immunisation financing in Africa is within reach.