Germany pledges Sh2.4b for immunisation in East Africa

By STANDARD REPORTER

Kenya: Germany has signed an agreement with the East African Community (EAC) secretariat to support vaccinations in the region.

Under the deal, Germany will make available a financial contribution of 20 million euros (Sh2.4b) to support immunisation programmes in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi.

The programme will be implemented in collaboration with GAVI Alliance, a public-private global health partnership committed to saving children’s lives and protecting people’s health by increasing access to immunisation in poor countries.

EAC Secretary General Richard Sezibera expressed appreciation to the German government for its support in saving lives through the regional programme.

Dr Sezibera, who is also a member of the GAVI board, described the programme as very important and critical, adding, “I am sure with such commitment, it will grow.

 “There is need for immediate support in the co-ordination of cold chain logistics,” he said during the signing ceremony.

He stated that the EAC partner states are all introducing antigens simultaneously, making cold chain logistics support vital.

In his remarks, Hans Koeppel, Chargé d´Affaires at the German embassy in Dar es Salaam, said the new commitments underline that Germany continues to be a strong partner for the EAC, contributing to an integration process that puts the people in the centre.

Since 1998, Germany’s development co-operation, on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Co-operation, has contributed to capacity development of the EAC secretariat through various programmes and projects.