Presentation: From paternalism to country ownership of national immunization programs

Dr Mike McQuestion, Director, Sustainable Immunization Financing, Sabin Vaccine Institute

Dr Mike McQuestion joined us at the World Vaccine Congress 2012 in Washington to present on ownership of national immunization programs. The Sabin Sustainable Immunization Financing Program works to create pathways to country ownership of immunization programs. The group does advocacy work at high levels through parliamentary briefings, targeted peer exchanges and legislative workshops. Current investment needed to immunize a child in the developing world is $40. This is a significant investment for most governments. Sabin helps convince governments that immunization generates spillover economic effects. However, to reap these dividends, countries must own their own immunization programs. Most countries are far from this point – they depend on external partners. As a result, countries are continuing to under-invest even as economies are growing in many developing countries. There is a need for institutional innovations at the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Finance and Parliament level to develop new ways of working and a commitment to immunization.

Why not download the full presentation and learn more about country ownership of national immunization programs:

• Creating sustainable financing and support for immunization programs in fifteen developing countries
• Strengthening immunization programs through budget reforms, decentralization, and legislation
• Applying lessons learnt in other countries as well as to other health programs