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Kenya among beneficiaries of new Sh129bn vaccine funding
This is the first time that the AIIB has committed such a significant amount to the global health sector, marking a strategic shift in its development finance priorities.
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and Gavi, the vaccine alliance, have announced a $1 billion (Sh129.2 billion) joint financing agreement to strengthen health systems and expand access to immunisation in Gavi-supported member countries, including Kenya.
The initiative targets low- and lower-middle-income countries with weak public health systems, where funding gaps often prevent equitable access to life-saving vaccines and services.
The partners said the funding will support critical investments in health system strengthening immunisation infrastructure, vaccine procurement and the introduction of high-impact vaccines in middle-income countries. It will also provide targeted support to countries transitioning out of Gavi support.
"Investing in human health is investing in our future -it lays the foundation for stronger communities, more resilient livelihoods and lasting prosperity. Through this partnership with Gavi, we aim to help our members access life-saving vaccines - especially in critical situations - underscoring the AIIB's commitment to promoting public health and social development," said Jin Liqun, President of the AIIB.
The funds will help governments strengthen primary health care, build resilient vaccine supply chains and improve pandemic preparedness.
The partnership is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all.
The two parties also committed to explore additional innovative financing mechanisms, such as donor liquidity and blended financing.
They will focus on improving knowledge development and sharing, particularly on the links between climate finance, immunisation and health system investments.
"Innovative partnerships and development finance mechanisms have been critical to Gavi's ability to protect more than a billion children, and we look forward to leveraging this expertise to deliver greater impact for countries through this partnership," said Dr Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi.
This is the first time that the AIIB has committed such a significant amount to the global health sector, marking a strategic shift in its development finance priorities.
With ongoing efforts to localise vaccine manufacturing, these additional resources are expected to help Kenya accelerate its progress in delivering quality health services as it plans to transition away from Gavi support.
Kenya is currently in the accelerated transition phase of its partnership with Gavi, a critical period that marks the country's move towards full self-financing of its immunisation programmes.
This phase has been extended by Gavi from five to eight years to give Kenya additional time to strengthen its health systems and ensure sustainable financing for immunisation.
In the proposed budget for the financial year starting in July, the treasury has allocated Sh4.6 billion for vaccine procurement and related immunisation programmes.
