KEWOPA urges the Ministries of the National Treasury, Economic Planning and Health to address Gavi Co-financing obligations

𝐍𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐢 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲, 𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓. 

The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) has called on the Ministries of Health and National Treasury to address the country's persistent delay in meeting Kenya's co-financing obligations under the GAVI agreement.

KEWOPA's concern follows a signal in vaccine stockouts, declining donor funding and Kenya's laxity in fulfilling its obligations under the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI).

In a meeting with the Health NGO's Network (HENNET), Female MPs demanded an update on the Vaccine stock levels in the country.

"We urge the Ministry of Health to provide the National Assembly with information on the stock status for routine immunization. This should indicate stock levels at central stores, County and facility levels with vaccine needs mapped against projected stock requirements," said the session Chairperson, Hon. Irene Mayaka.

Furthermore, members of KEWOPA asked the National Treasury and Economic Planning Ministry to give the current standing of GAVI co-financing obligations and payment schedules.

"This should include the paid amounts as well as the pipeline amounts in addition to the proposed dates for payments," added Hon. Mayaka on behalf of KEWOPA.

Speaking during the meeting, the HENNET Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Margaret Lubaale, briefed Women lawmakers that Kenya is yet to meet its co-financing obligations with GAVI, having made zero payment in the current financial year 2024/25 despite the fast-approaching deadline of 30th June.

"Pulling out of GAVI is catastrophic. We shall have a stock out of polio and measles vaccines that the country is given through GAVI, and we should be worried about the resurgence of diseases that can be prevented," said Dr. Lubaale.

To mitigate the crisis, KEWOPA urged the government to prioritize child immunization by enhancing the immunization budget in the upcoming budget for the financial year 2025/26 and considering local vaccine production.