- Honourable State Minister of Health of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia;
- Honourable Ministers and Members of Parliament from participating countries;
- Mr Chair of GAVI Board and Member of the Norwegian Parliament;
- Dr Ciro de Quadros, Vice-President of the Sabin Vaccine Institute
- The WHO Representative in Ethiopia
- The UNICEF Representative in Ethiopia
- Distinguished Guests
- Ladies and Gentlemen
On behalf of the World Health Organization, I am most honoured to address you at this first ever Sabin Vaccine Institute Colloquium on Sustainable Immunisation Financing. I would like to single out and thank most sincerely Dr Ciro de Quadros - the Vice President of the Sabin Vaccine Institute for organizing this forum and inviting WHO to be part of the deliberations.
Since the adoption of the Millennium Declaration, countries have been working towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Success in achieving these goals and realising the right to health implies that these goals are addressed in a comprehensive way. This requires, in one hand, the strengthening of health systems for universal access to health care; and, on the other hand, addressing the social and economic determinants of health through more articulated actions across all sectors.
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The low priority given to health financing has undermined the scaling-up of proven and cost-effective interventions towards the achievement of the health Millennium Development Goals.
We recall that in 2001, in Abuja, the Heads of State committed to allocate 15% of national budget to the health sector. The same year, the Commission on Macroeconomics and Health recommended USD 34 per capita expenditure per year, to provide a minimum package of health services including immunization.
So far, most Member-States have neither met the target of 15% nor the recommendation made by the Commission on Macroeconomics and Health.
While we realize the need to increase domestic and international funding for health, we also recognize the need for more efficient management of existing health resources, as a requirement to improve the performance of health services and meet the MDG goals.
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In the run up to the target date for the MDGs, one area of investment that has proven to be cost effective as a public health intervention is immunization. Financing is a critical component of a sustainable immunization program. While immunization financing should not be considered in isolation from overall health financing, we should take the opportunity of leveraging immunisation services as a way to strengthen health systems.
Ministries of Health in many countries are facing competing priorities within domestic budgeting processes. Although 85% of the countries in the region have specific budget lines for procurement of vaccines, they fail to address the operational costs of national immunisation programmes.
Despite the important role played by international community in complementing the national efforts; routine immunisation and introduction of new vaccines, in general, are still under-funded.
It is a paradox that while the vaccines and technologies are readily available, we are still experiencing limited access to them due to lack of funding, resulting in continued unmet needs.
Therefore, we very much welcome the organization of this colloquium that brings together very important stakeholders aiming at improving and sustaining immunization financing.
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Among ways to ensure predictability of funding is for countries to mainstream immunization financing into national development frameworks and national budgets. In this context,
WHO and other partners have supported countries to develop comprehensive multi-year immunization plans which require sustainable financing. By December 2010, 96% of the Member States had developed their comprehensive multi-year plans with appropriate costing.
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen,
During my visits to countries I have witnessed how parliamentarians are interested in health issues and are willing to play a more significant role. Parliamentarians are representatives of the people, they shape policies, make laws, approve budgets and hold the government accountable for the use of national resources. Furthermore, their leadership role is critical in social mobilization and ensuring full adherence of families, in particular women and children, to benefit from immunisation services and campaigns.
No matter how well laws and policies are formulated, they will not be effective if there is no funding to support their implementation. WHO will continue to support countries to generate evidence to guide decision-making on matters of health planning and budgeting.
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen,
WHO remains committed to work with Governments to find ways and means of ensuring better and sustainable funding for immunization. We recognise that in this process, more discussion is required with all key stakeholders.
Looking at the challenges I have outlined, I believe this colloquium is timely and will generate new ideas on ways we could make a case for more investment in immunization services to reach every child with the existing vaccines.
Lastly but not least, I am pleased and encouraged with the participation of honourable members of parliament, senior government officials and partners from different countries at this Colloquium. I wish you fruitful deliberations.
A healthier population is a must for our better future.
I thank you for your attention.