PNG to exit international vaccine support

The country’s public health sector since 2006 has had access to life saving vaccines for children valued at US$34 million through the support of Gavi; a global vaccine alliance.

The alliance is funded by 24 governments, including European Union and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

PNG will transition or exit out of this support 2 years from now.

This means PNG will need to fully finance all vaccine and immunisation program costs.

Much of the support from Gavi finances the procurement of new vaccines, strengthens the country’s immunisation program and service deliveries.

Apart from the 6 vaccine-treatable diseases like TB, polio, measles and tetanus, the Gavi support has introduced 5 new vaccines to protect children against hepatitis B, pneumonia, meningitis and rubella.

Recent improvement in the country’s gross national income indicates that the country has surpassed Gavi’s eligibility threshold, which means PNG is in a position to fully finance its immunisation and vaccine programs when it transitions out of the Gavi program in 2020.

Preparations for PNG to exit this program have started with a visit to the country by a high-level mission led by senior executives of Gavi Alliance.

The objective of the visit is to meet government and key stakeholders to understand the challenges and complexities that will impact PNG and to support the Health Minister to advocate for increased government commitment for immunisation programs after 2020.

The next 2 years before the cease of Gavi support will see priority given to strengthening health systems, increasing rubella and measles immunisation coverage, expansion plan for 800 health facilities and continued technical support from UNICEF and World Health Organization.

Author: 
Carolyn Ure