GAVI calls for improved funding to immunisation programmes

GAVI calls for improved funding to immunisation programmes

Lusaka, April 9, ZANIS ——-The Global Alliance for Vaccine and Immunisation (GAVI) has called on governments in the East and Southern African region to increase funding to immunisation programmes.

GAVI Chairperson for East and Southern Africa Nestro Shivete said improving funding to immunisation programmes is the only key to interventions aimed at achieving the Millennium Development Goal (MDG).

Dr Shivete said immunisation related programmes require more funding and staff in order to address its high demand.

He was speaking at the one day East and Southern Africa GAVI Regional Working Group meeting in Lusaka today.

And World Health Organization (WHO) representative Olusegun Babaniyi praised GAVI for strengthening routine immunisation and supporting safe injections.

He said GAVI has demonstrated its commitment to giving an opportunity to children in poor countries to access the much needed new and under used vaccines.

Meanwhile, Dr Babaniyi has praised Zambia for making strides in improving the health of children and praised government for seriously committing to all health interventions.

He however said limited financial, human a material resource has still remained a major challenge in ensuring that all eligible persons access immunisation.