Immunization Financing: Mobilization of resources and effective use allocated resources in immunization program Georgia’s Experience
Presenter: Vladimer Getia
Co-authors: Gia kobalia, Eka Adamia, Lia Jabidze, Irina Javakhadze
Poster file: [download]
Abstract:
Background and Aims: Georgia’s immunization program was heavily supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi), which co-finances immunization programs in low- and middle-income countries. However, as Georgia’s economy grew, the country gradually transitioned off Gavi support, assuming a greater and greater share of its immunization costs. After the donor support from the main supporter of the state immunization program, GAVI-Alliance, was completed, the progress achieved can only be sustained through achieving stable financing. The country will now need to seek domestic reserves in order to incur costs for any newly introduced vaccines. A strict decision-making process, including the requirement to secure financing, allows Georgia to take a strong position in the face of these new challenges. Methods: In order to ensure financial sustainability of the program, it is necessary to mobilization of resources and effective use allocated resources in immunization programm. Ways to improve efficiency are: implement effective procurement system, planning and forecasting system, immunization Infrastructure, raise awareness of parents - by UNICEF unified Procurement Mechanism; increase in quantity through multi-year purchases; legislation that provides opportunities to ensure transparency and free competitive environment, through the electronic system of international procurement; the use of the mechanism for the abolition of registration of those vaccines that are registered in countries with a high level of control and also prequalified by WHO; use tools and methods to assess the capacity and performance of country vaccine procurement system, Improve immunization informations systems by making use of e-health applications, home-based records and using data for action system of monitoring and tracking Immunization Infrastructure upgraded Cold chain system and increased capacities, mobile application for parents Results: 3 new vaccines have been introduced since 2012, including an ongoing demo project for one new vaccine, cold chain infrastructure was renewed at central and regional levels, an unified electronic vaccination recording system was introduced, an unscheduled measles vaccination is underway, international financial obligations have been handed over completely, immunization budget has increased fivefold in the years 2012-2019. Conclusion: The foundation of the success behind stable financing of immunization in Georgia is the transparency of financial resource consumption, active usage of international recommendations and mechanisms and Government’s political support.