IMFIN brief 5: Domestic public funding sources

What are the main sources of domestic public financing? Why is domestic public revenue likely to remain the primary source of immunization financing, especially as countries transition away from development assistance?

Key points

• As countries transition from donor funding, domestic public financing sources such as general revenue have the greatest potential to be governed by existing budgetary controls, integrated into health financing architecture, and recognized as the financial foundation of universal health coverage, with immunization financing as an integral component.
• Mechanisms such as health earmarks or trust funds, where they exist, are likely to play only a supporting role in immunization financing. They do not guarantee additive funding and can add complexity.
• Well-timed budget advocacy can help ensure that general revenue is allocated to health priorities. In countries where public financing or the financial management systems through which funds flow is irregular, help from sources such as the Vaccine Independence Initiative can ease financing challenges.