LOOK AT THIS IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN:
Learning about Sri Lanka’s experience transitioning from Gavi support.
HOW YOU CAN USE THIS MATERIAL:
As your country prepares to transition away from Gavi support, learn from Sri Lanka’s experiences, including successes and challenges, with securing domestic financing, strengthening local capacity, and introducing new vaccines.
OVERVIEW:
Sri Lanka’s national immunization program is cited globally and regionally as a successful model. The Expanded Immunization Program (EPI) maintains high coverage (98-100%) of all vaccines it offers, and a low incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases covered by the program. Since 2016, the immunization program has also been self-funded. On November 19th, speakers reflected on Sri Lanka’s experience transitioning from Gavi support and share a current perspective on challenges related to sustainability and maintaining the gains made in disease control over the past 30 years.
The speakers presented on how Sri Lanka:
- Secured domestic financing, and what other countries can learn from this process
- Fostered local capacity and leadership even prior to Gavi support
- Managed the transition to post-Gavi procurement and potential challenges
- Makes decisions on new vaccine introduction
Speakers:
- Dr Nihal Abeysinghe, Deputy Director, Institute for Research and Development
- Dr Sudath Peiris, Technical Officer, World Health Organization
- Dr. Sudath Samaraweera, Chief Epidemiologist, Epidemiology Unit, Ministry of Health Sri Lanka
Session Slides: English
Session Recording: