Vaccines and Vitamin A supplements (VAS) are essential for optimal children’s growth, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where malnutrition and lack of health access are significant concerns. Nevertheless, government financing of these health commodities from national budgets has not been optimal in LMICs, prompting questions about the sustainability of national vaccination and VAS programs.
A survey conducted in 2017 with participants from the two UNICEF regions in Africa revealed that nine out of 21 countries in the Eastern and Southern African Region (ESAR) do not pay for traditional vaccines VAS programs from their national government budget. Instead, bilateral donors via pooled multi-donor funds are financing the vaccination. In addition, non-financial factors (e.g., power and procurement policies) hindering transition away from donor support.
There is a need for LMIC governments to take greater responsibility in financing vaccines to ensure sustainability, especially in countries facing economic transition. This political economy framework can enhance understanding of how best to guide shifts towards government financing of essential health commodities and programs.
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